In Tottenham’s last visit to Old Trafford in March they lost to Cristiano Ronaldo, but last night they were beaten by Manchester United.
Ronaldo was the difference between the teams here last season, the Portuguese’s brilliant hat-trick earning a 3-2 win, despite an encouraging performance from Spurs.
Last night could scarcely have been more of a contrast, as Erik ten Hag’s new-look side deservedly ran out 2-0 winners in a hugely impressive team display.
United’s transition from being a one-man band to a finely-tuned orchestra was underlined when Ronaldo stormed from the dugout — and reportedly out of the stadium — before the final whistle, after Ten Hag decided against bringing him off the bench.
The Dutchman promised to deal with the situation today, and it is increasingly difficult to see any sort of way back for Ronaldo at the club. He will surely push for an exit in January, although it remains to be seen if any suitable clubs are willing to take a punt on his extravagant wages and ego.
Ronaldo was United’s biggest threat in the weekend’s 0-0 draw against Newcastle, but it was striking again just how much better United are without the 37-year-old.
They outclassed and outfought Spurs in their best display under Ten Hag to date, with every player from Fred to Diego Dalot excelling.
For all his goalscoring brilliance, it is clear that Ronaldo would not have been capable of pressing like his replacement Marcus Rashford, and the way United pegged Spurs into their own half in the opening half-hour felt like a significant factor in their eventual victory.
Spurs played with an extra midfielder, bringing in Yves Bissouma, but still were unable to establish a foothold and grew increasingly jittery as Conte’s two banks of three in defence and midfield struggled to cope with United’s press.
There were certainly some speculative efforts among the 28 attempts on Hugo Lloris’s goal, but United largely attacked with speed, verve and intent. Anthony kept popping up in different areas of the pitch, while Rashford thoroughly stretched Eric Dier.
It was striking again just how much better Manchester United are without Cristiano Ronaldo
Fred’s goal was fortunate, taking a wild deflection off Ben Davies, but it was no less than the Brazilian deserved, while Bruno Fernandes clinched the win with a peach of a finish to suggest he may be turning a corner.
Ten Hag had the more talented — and certainly more expensive — team than workmanlike Spurs, but there is increasing evidence that he is building a side greater than the sum of its parts.
The same could not be said for Conte’s team last night, and for perhaps the first time since Spurs appointed the Italian in November, it was easy to wonder if United had a point when they overlooked him for the manager’s post.
