The first realisation of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester UnitedOn Wednesday night, he was at Old Trafford.
His players worked together in synchronicity and whirring to completely dominate Tottenham HotspurThey hint at the possibility of more.
United attacked and defended as a group, pushing high up at the front and pressing hard at the back. They also benefited from the atmosphere. Each major moment on the pitch triggered a piercing response in the stands and that energy seemed to travel as if by osmosis to the leg muscles of Ten Hag’s team.
In the 91st Minute Luke ShawBulldozed into 50-50 challenges Lucas MouraHe won the ball and dribbled up to the line. Moura was on the pitch nine minutes earlier, but looked more tired than the other men.
Antonio Conte has overseen Spurs’ best-ever start to a Premier League season but United’s performance last night drained their purpose. “We have to be honest; United decided to win,” said Conte rather neatly.
United took their role as protagonists.
Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham: Player statistics and formations, xG
“I said to the lads in the dressing room, it was so enjoyable to watch it,” Ten Hag said.
