Before the match started, TV screens at Old Trafford re-aired Manchester United's spectacular comeback against Tottenham. From there, 3 goals behind, the "Red Devils" came back to defeat their opponents 5-3.
However, that is the story of 23 years ago. The current Man United team lacks the confidence, endurance, courage or leadership ability of their successful predecessors.
They played disjointedly under the witness of home fans. Even coach Erik ten Hag will be fired if the results are not improved immediately, as Man United is currently ranked 12th in the Premier League. M.U has lost 3 matches in just the first 6 rounds.
Ten Hag will point to Bruno Fernandes' somewhat controversial direct red card after a tackle on James Madisson. For the entire second half, Man United had to play with one less player in a losing position. But the simple truth is that Spurs played better than Man United before Fernandes was sent off. And if Tottenham had taken more chances, the score might not have stopped at 3-0.
This match was even worse than Man United's home defeat, also with a score of 0-3, against rival Liverpool about a month ago. Ange Postecoglou's creative team has taught Man United how to press really.
Ten Hag seemed to break up outside the touchline at the end of the match, crowded with people due to the rain in Manchester. And perhaps his hopes of keeping his job are also gradually being washed away by this defeat.
The roof at Old Trafford may have leaked, but fans are willing to accept it. But the way the Man United players play weakly on the pitch is undeniable. This is the type of performance that can get coaches fired.
There have been some improvements this season, but in the end, Man United only had 3 wins after 8 matches in all competitions. In the near future, they will have a series of difficult challenges against Porto and Aston Villa.
And what if it were to continue to be two defeats for Ten Hag's team? The kindness that Ten Hag has built with fans after winning two titles is rapidly eroding.
Of course, for Ten Hag, he will continue to fight, as he has for the past two seasons. But for Man United fans, the disappointment has reached its peak.
"We have all decided this summer to stay together. We have also made a decision from a clear assessment of what we have to improve and how we want to build a squad. But we know it will take time for everything to be perfect.
We are all on the same side or in the same boat - the owners, the staff and the players. Therefore, I have no concern about being fired. We need more time," said Ten Hag.
