Premier League 2020/21: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur – tactical analysis

October 2011, Manchester United 1–6 Manchester City. That was the Red Devils’ heaviest defeat since the inauguration of the Premier League. Who would have thought the historical scoreline would haunt United again, even before a decade has passed? This time it was José Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur who successfully ran riot at Old Trafford. Yes, that defensive manager.

United started the game well after winning a penalty just within 30 seconds, which successfully converted by Bruno Fernandes. Yet, that was just that. Tottenham reacted by scoring two goals in the next five minutes and added two more to complete the first half; virtually finishing the contest. Some might say Anthony Taylor’s controversial decision to expulse Anthony Martial was the main reason behind this staggering result, but we beg to differ. We think Ole Gunnar Solskjær also has a big responsibility because of his questionable tactics. Without further ado, this tactical analysis will inform you how the match unfolded.

Lineups

Solskjær set his team up in the regular 4–2–3–1. Eric Bailly started the game alongside Harry Maguire while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw flanked them to complete the backline. Upfront, Martial led the attacking line with the support of Mason Greenwood, Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford behind him. United’s bench was filled with names like Fred, Scott McTominay, and former Ajax Amsterdam player Donny van de Beek.

In the opposite side, Mourinho went for 4–2–3–1 which can also be shifted to 4–3–3 at times. The midfield trio consisted of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Moussa Sissoko, and Tanguy Ndombélé, in which all of them had different roles in this game. The frontline then was spearheaded by talisman Harry Kane, flanked by Erik Lamela and former Bundesliga star Son Heung-min. Tottenham’s bench was filled with names like Dele Alli, Lucas Moura, and Ben Davies.