Manchester United lost 3-0 at Tottenham after putting on their worst showing of the year.
After a footballing framework was established behind the scenes, there was mounting optimism at Old Trafford that Manchester United would at last have a distinct identity and style of play this season.
Even with the addition of players like Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to the back four, there were indications this season that United’s defence was becoming better.
However, the same thing happened against Spurs after just three minutes when Micky van de Ven dribbled half of the pitch before setting up Brennan Johnson. This was after he was cut through for Twente’s equaliser midweek.
After failing to follow Johnson’s move into the box, Diogo Dalot was criticised for his “criminal” defending in the build-up to the goal.
Despite being one of United’s greatest and most reliable players this season—he was signed by United for £19 million in 2018—the Portuguese full-back’s play against Spurs ended.
Erik ten Hag disregarded the cautions of Diogo Dalot.
Fortunately, United has avoided the injury issues that dogged the previous campaign; but, left-back has proven to be a problematic position.
Luke Shaw will probably rejoin United’s back four after his injury heals, but Erik ten Hag will need to find another way to stop Tyrell Malacia.
Although he has filled in at left-back, Diogo Dalot has been used far too frequently this season. Ten Hag was asked to rest Dalot ahead of United’s match against Twente because he had started every game of the 2024–25 campaign.
Ten Hag started the 25-year-old against Twente and Spurs despite the warning flags, thus he has started every game this season and played 783 minutes of sport.
It was evident on Sunday that he has played more for United this season than any other player.
Tottenham’s first goal came from a Dalot sprinting back to mark Johnson. Ten Hag assigns him one of the hardest roles on the pitch, pushing him to track back, overlap on the left, and drift into midfield.
It was a grave error for Ten Hag to not rest Dalot against Twente, and it cost him against Tottenham.
Erik ten Hag is responsible.
Ineos made sure Ten Hag had two good choices at each position for the next season during the summer.
The Dutchman’s attempt to control playing time to prevent a repeat of the previous season’s injury issue is evident, but there has been a grave lapse at left-back.
Ten Hag tried Toby Collyer at left-back against Barnsley despite Shaw and Malacia being injured, and the academy product looked good.
Dalot, however, did not have a break for that game as he was moved to right-back.
Ten Hag also had the option of Harry Amass against Twente, but Dalot was once again selected in the starting lineup. He needs to take a nap, and that ought to have happened before the Tottenham match.
