An early first-half strike from James Maddison was enough to defeat Manchester United, who put in another disappointing performance, losing 1-0 away from home against Tottenham Hotspur.
The white side of North London has not been a happy hunting ground for Ruben Amorim’s side this season, with the Red Devils now losing twice away to Spurs.
Maddison’s goal 13 minutes into the game did not kill off United. They had plenty of chances, with many of the best opportunities falling to Alejandro Garnacho. The winger blazed over the bar from 15 yards out with no defender around him and missed a one-on-one and a shot from range in the second half.
According to the stats on Sofascore, the visitors actually had more big chances than Spurs, with two compared to one for the home side. Amorim’s side had six shots on target compared to seven for the Lilywhites. They certainly had opportunities to win the game.
It was certainly a disappointing day at the office for the Red Devils, who had chances to win the game but simply could not take them, eventually leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a point to show for their efforts. However, there were some standout players on Sunday afternoon for United.
United’s best players vs. Spurs
One of the best players for Amorim’s side on Sunday was new addition, Patrick Dorgu. He played at left wing-back, after a debut on the opposite flank, and performed well. United content creator Alice Talks Footy described his efforts as “impressive” against Spurs.
Indeed, the stats from the game suggest he played well. The Dane, who overlapped excellently, managed to create two chances, although the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Garnacho could not capitalise. He was also brilliant off the ball, winning eight out of nine duels.
Another standout player for United was Noussair Mazraoui. The summer signing played at right centre-back, and dealt with Djed Spence and Son Heung-min well, despite the obvious threat they carry, making some crucial challenges.
Someone who was complimentary of Mazraoui was journalist Alex Turk, writing for The Express. He gave the Moroccan defender a 7/10 for his efforts, explaining that he ‘defended well’ and noted that he ‘produced some big blocks’ to help keep the score at 1-0.
Mazroaui also created a golden chance for Joshua Zirkzee in the second half, and although the Dutchman didn’t score, it was about the only thing he did wrong against Spurs. He too was a standout player.
Man Utd's new Dimitar Berbatov
One of the best players to represent United and Spurs was Dimitar Berbatov. There were certainly shades of the Bulgarian striker in Zirkzee’s performance against the Lilywhites, as there has been all season.
In a separate post on X from Alice, she described the silky United striker as a “natural footballer”, much like Berbatov, who was once called an “outstanding” player by United great Gary Neville.
Watching his link-up play, excellent close control and brilliant skill, it was certainly reminiscent of the former United number nine. Indeed, journalist Charlie Parrish hinted at that comparison, while also suggesting that the former Bologna man “belongs to a different era”.
Zirkzee’s stats show just how well he played in North London. The Dutchman had 49 touches of the ball and completed 82% of his passes. He also completed two dribbles and created one chance, although did lose nine duels.
Stat
Number
Touches
49
Pass accuracy
81%
Passes completed
21/26
Duels won
3/12
Dribbles completed
2/4
Chances created
1
In his post-match ratings, Turk gave Zirkzee a 7/10 for his efforts. He explained he was ‘nice and tidy on the ball’ and made ‘clever passes aplenty’, although did criticise him for the missed header from Mazraoui’s cross, about the only thing he did wrong.
United’s number 11 was called the “Man of the Match” by the aforementioned Alice for his display, and it was not hard to see why. Everything good United did came through him, and it will certainly please Amorim to see the 23-year-old performing so well.
The Red Devils boss will be hoping Zirkzee’s performance level can be matched and bettered by his teammates in their next game, a bottom-half clash against Everton at Goodison Park.
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