Character and Resilience were the key factors as Manchester United secure massive victory over Tottenham Hotspur in game week 10 of the EPL 2020-2021 season.
You wouldn’t want to be in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s shoes in the past week. The 5-0 defeat at home against arch rivals Liverpool brought immense pressure on the Norwegian. Somehow, yet again, he got the result under pressure.
United started with a much needed changes in formation and tactics. Ole deployed a 3-5-2 formation, ironically, the preferred formation of Antonio Conte – the most likely person to replace him as the manager of Man United.
From the first whistle United looked sharp and energetic. Raphaël Varane proved to be the difference by judging recent defensive calamities. It just feels a lot safer when Varane is on the pitch.
Conte's 352? Completed it mate pic.twitter.com/KAIxZkgrHR
— Paul Irwin (@bluedogspaul) October 30, 2021
The formation change and intensity from the players worked well against a struggling Spurs side under their new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. United were solid defensively. In attack they looked extra threatening whenever they surrounded Spurs penalty box with attackers. McFred stood out throughout the game. Big performance from both midfielders.
The players made great use of the spaces. Ronaldo and Cavani played as center forwards when the team went out of possession. When in possession he drifted to the left wing. The shapes in attack and defense were slightly different for the whole team. Most importantly the transition in shape was executed perfectly by the team.
United got the breakthrough late in the first half. During a phase of quick passing after crowding outside area of the opposition box, Bruno Fernandes found Cristiano Ronaldo with a beautiful lob. Ronaldo’s finish was simply world class. He really is the best. You just have to see it!
Out of this world 🚀#MUFC | @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/SDpdo72iXl
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 30, 2021
Us too, @PaulPogba 😅#MUFC | #TOTMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 30, 2021
Ronaldo is inevitable. Once again. He won’t stop. He can’t stop! United 1-0 up.
Spurs looked shaky to be honest. Hard to understand why, but all that mattered for United was to not concede and get a second goal. The defence stayed on top Spurs attack. Luke Shaw and particularly Aaron Wan-Bissaka were exceptional as wing backs.
Edinson Cavani put the game to bed thanks to a brilliant counter attack goal. Both Bruno and Cristiano played a huge part in the goal. And Cavani’s finish was just cool and very well taken. He’s indeed a striker who knows his trade!
The build-up. The assist. The finish. 🤤#MUFC | @ECavaniOfficial pic.twitter.com/a0zrMXHHaS
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 31, 2021
Shortly after being subbed on, Marcus Rashford “MBE” scored a third for United – the icing on the cake. Rashford has been in great form since his return. His absence from starting lineup was purely due to formation change. Hope his great form continues in this crucial run. Well, beyond all runs. Tough games ahead for United.
The team showed great spirit and determination to prove that they can perform. Job well done.
💬 "We've had a difficult week and they've stuck at it and worked really, really hard to get this result.”
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 30, 2021
More from the boss 👇#MUFC | #TOTMUN
United will play against Atalanta next in the UEFA Champion League. A tough away fixture for United. The team will look for maintaining consistency in performance. The game is vital for qualification to the knockout rounds.
Today’s man of the match? So many candidates. Cristiano is the obvious choice. But it could be Scott McTominay, Edinson Cavani, Raphaël Varane or Aaron Wan-Bissaka as well. Most importantly, it was an efficient team performance.
GGMU!
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