In a highly anticipated Premier League Matchday 25 showdown, Tottenham Hotspur secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at home, ending their run of seven consecutive league matches without a win at their stadium. For Manchester United, this marked their 12th league defeat of the season, further deepening their woes.
The win significantly eased the pressure on Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who became the first Spurs boss in the Premier League era to complete a league double over Manchester United, winning both home and away fixtures. The match also showcased the impact of Tottenham’s summer and winter signings. Notably, 19-year-old Swedish international midfielder Lucas Bergvall and winter signing, Austrian center-back Kevin Danso, delivered solid performances. Additionally, left-back Djed Spence, who has been loaned out three times in the past, stood out as the Man of the Match in an unfamiliar role.
Defensively, Tottenham’s backline is beginning to stabilize, while their attacking options remain plentiful. This season, 19 different players have scored across all competitions, indicating a well-distributed goal threat. With these improvements, Tottenham now have a realistic chance of climbing into the upper half of the table.
On the other hand, Manchester United’s troubles continue to mount. The last time they lost 12 or more league games by Matchday 25 was during their relegation season in 1973-74. While United fans may nervously glance at the league table, the team currently sits 12 points clear of the relegation zone. Given the poor form of the three promoted teams this season, relegation is unlikely to be a concern. However, United’s current situation is reminiscent of the 1989-90 season under Sir Alex Ferguson, when they finished 13th in the league. Ferguson’s job was saved only by an FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace.
Last season, Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League, their worst-ever league position. This season, things could get even worse. The root of their struggles lies in poor managerial decisions. The club’s handling of managerial changes has been flawed, particularly their misjudgment of Erik ten Hag’s capabilities at the end of last season. Despite significant investment in the summer, the team’s performance has been underwhelming. The decision to replace Ten Hag less than three months into the season has made Rúben Amorim’s task even more challenging. Adapting to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system has proven difficult, and the team needs more time to fully integrate.
On the pitch, Manchester United’s recurring issue is their lack of efficiency in front of goal. In this match, they created chances, but most fell to 20-year-old Argentine international Alejandro Garnacho, who has only scored three league goals this season. Among Premier League players with at least 10 big chances, Garnacho has the lowest conversion rate. Without a reliable striker, United’s chances of climbing the table remain slim.
Despite the loss, there were a few positives for United. The first was the performance of 32-year-old Brazilian veteran Casemiro, who started due to injuries to Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount. Casemiro played nearly the full 90 minutes and formed a dependable partnership with Bruno Fernandes in midfield. Another bright spot was the display of Joshua Zirkzee, who started alongside Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund for the first time. Zirkzee impressed with his ability to hold up the ball, deliver key passes, and link up effectively with Fernandes.
With Amad Diallo, United’s primary attacking threat and top scorer, sidelined for an extended period, Zirkzee’s performance on the right wing offers some hope. While injuries to players like Raphaël Varane and Ugarte are not expected to be long-term, United’s defensive depth remains adequate. However, unless they can “unlock” Højlund’s potential, their goal-scoring issues will persist.
Only four Premier League teams have scored fewer goals than Manchester United this season. With three months left in the campaign, United’s best hope for silverware lies in the FA Cup. Their Round of 16 draw pits them against Fulham, a team they have beaten 1-0 twice in the league this season without conceding. Although Fulham currently sit above United in the league table, the FA Cup offers a chance for United to play without the pressure of their league struggles. For now, the FA Cup remains the only potential source of joy for United fans this season.