Erik ten Hag can point to Bruno Fernandes' 42nd-minute red card as a mitigating factor. But his claim that it "changed the game" is absurd. United were still poor even with 11 men on the pitch. They had less possession and fewer shots in the first half than they did in the second.
Incredibly, this was the 23rd game in which the "Red Devils" have conceded three or more goals under Ten Hag. That figure accounts for nearly 20% of the 123 games the Dutch strategist has been in charge of.
This is a higher rate than any other coach in the previous five coaches of Man United. Since David Moyes and including Ralf Rangnick, who led the "Red Devils" to a record low Premier League point total.
Those numbers are even worse when compared to other Premier League sides. Since the start of last season, only relegated Sheffield United have conceded three or more goals more times than Man United.
Ten Hag's side, meanwhile, should feel lucky to have conceded just three goals against Tottenham. Spurs had 24 shots across 90 minutes at Old Trafford, with plenty of space left open by United.
It would be no exaggeration to say they are the most open defensive team in the Premier League under Ten Hag. Consider that, since the start of last season, United have conceded 20 or more shots in 16 games, more than any other team, including last year's relegated sides.
Excluding Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton, West Ham are the only team of the remaining 16 to reach double figures, so these statistics are incomprehensibly bad for a club of United's stature.
Ten Hag can point to two trophies he won during his tenure at Old Trafford. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles certainly cemented the Dutchman's status, but for United's reputation, the Premier League and Champions League are the true measures of success.
The Red Devils' leadership must have anticipated the current results. Simply put, their decline is just a continuation of what happened before.
In fact, Man United's average of 1.17 points per game in the Premier League this season is almost identical to the average of 1.23 points per game in the final three months of last season.
Ten Hag has made a number of quality additions, his injury list has been reduced and his coaching staff has been significantly strengthened. But in the end, the face of the Old Trafford team has not changed much.
The problem with Man United is probably not just personnel but more importantly Ten Hag's ability is not good enough.
