Erik ten Hag may point to Bruno Fernandes' 42nd-minute red card as a mitigating factor. But his claim that it had changed the game was unreasonable. Man United are still playing poorly even with 11 men on the pitch. They controlled the ball less and had fewer shots in the first half than in the second half.
It is remarkable that this is the 23rd game the Red Devils have conceded three or more goals under Ten Hag. This figure accounts for nearly 20% of the total 123 matches that the Dutch strategist is in charge of.
This is a higher ratio than any of Man United's previous five managers. Starting with David Moyes and including Ralf Rangnick, who made the "Red Devils" end the Premier League season with a record low score.
These figures are even worse when compared to other teams in the Premier League. Since the start of last season, only Sheffield United have been relegated and conceded three or more goals than Man United.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag's side should feel lucky to have conceded just three against Tottenham. During the 90 minutes at Old Trafford, Spurs had 24 shots with a series of gaps that Man United exposed.
It would be no exaggeration to say they are the most open defensive team in the Premier League under Ten Hag. Let's consider the fact that since the beginning of last season, Man United have suffered 20 or more shots in 16 matches. This is the most number of any other team, including last year's relegated sides.
Excluding Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton, West Ham are the only team out of the remaining 16 to reach double figures. Therefore, these statistics are inexplicably bad for a club with the status of Man United.
Ten Hag can point to the two trophies he won during his tenure at Old Trafford. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles have certainly boosted the Dutchman's position. However, with Man United's reputation, the Premier League and Champions League are the measures of success.
The "Red Devils" leadership clearly had to anticipate the current results. Simply put, their decline is a continuation of what has happened before.
In fact, Man United's average of 1.17 points per match in the Premier League this season is almost the same as the average of 1.23 points per match in the last 3 months of last season.
Ten Hag has a series of quality additions, the injury list has also been reduced and the coaching staff has been significantly strengthened. But in the end, the appearance of the Old Trafford team still did not change much.
The problem for Man United is probably not only the personnel but more importantly, Ten Hag's ability is not good enough.
