3 Things We Learnt From Manchester United’s Clash Against Tottenham Hotspur

Wow! What a performance by Tottenham. Spurs came into this game on the back of three straight victories, while Manchester United had failed to secure victories in their last two games. And that gulf in quality and form shone, as Spurs completely dismantled a lackluster United outfit.

From the very first minute, Ange Postecoglou’s men started to dominate proceedings. It wasn’t long before this command of the game was reflected on the scoreboard, as Micky van de Ven made a lung-busting run from the halfway line to set up Brennan Johnson for the opener. Spurs continued to overwhelm United with their trademark high press, and as a result, they created several other opportunities before halftime. Johnson could’ve had his second of the night, but his shot hit the woodwork. Despite Tottenham’s dominance, United had several chances to score. However, any hopes of a United comeback were dashed once Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card in the 42nd minute. 

The second half began with Spurs picking up right where they left off. Dejan Kulusevski added a second goal after some brilliant hold-up play from Dom Solanke, who fed Johnson to deliver a cross that was deflected into Kulusevski’s path, allowing him to delicately lift the ball past Onana. Following their second goal, Spurs took the foot of the gas, which gave the Red Devils a brief moment of hope. However, the hope evaporated once Dom Solanke scored Tottenham’s third in the 77th minute from a well-worked corner routine.  

United's performance has triggered a fierce backlash, with speculation swirling around Erik ten Hag’s future at the club. In stark contrast, the atmosphere at Tottenham has completely shifted, with the victory injecting a fresh wave of optimism after a rocky start to the season. Now, with the match behind us, it's time to reflect on the key takeaways from Spurs' dominant win over Manchester United. 

1) Sacked in the morning? 

“This is the kind of performance that gets managers sacked,” remarked Jamie Redknapp after Manchester United’s woeful 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford. And he’s not alone in thinking that. A growing number of United fans have lost patience with Erik ten Hag, with many believing his time at the helm should come to an end. Despite being in charge for more than two years, Ten Hag has yet to establish a clear identity for his team. Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou, in just over a year at Spurs, has already implemented a distinct philosophy and vision. The difference in coaching styles was glaring during the match—United seemed reliant on moments of individual brilliance, while Spurs had a well-thought-out game plan that completely dismantled their opponents.  

Although Ten Hag has won two trophies with Manchester United, the real barometer of progress has always been the Premier League. And so far, his side has looked shockingly underprepared for the long season ahead. The most frustrating aspect of his tenure is that, despite receiving substantial backing in the transfer market, consistency remains elusive. Big-money signings like Antony, Rasmus Højlund, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Matthijs de Ligt were brought in with high expectations, yet none have lived up to their price tags at Old Trafford. The recruitment strategy has been questionable, with several players signed for hefty sums already reduced to fringe roles or deadwood just 24 months later. It’s clear something has to change at Manchester United, and many are starting to believe that the shake-up might begin with a new face in the manager’s seat.  

2) The Dejan Kulusevski gamble is starting to pay off 

Let me be clear – buying Dejan Kulusevski wasn’t a gamble. He was one of the best players of the Antonio Conte era. However, what truly felt like a gamble was Ange Postecoglou’s decision to slot him into the midfield. The 24-year-old Swede was surprisingly left on the bench for Spurs' season opener against Leicester City, despite being a standout in preseason. But after a frustrating stalemate against the Foxes, Ange Postecoglou made a bold tactical switch that could very well define not just Tottenham’s season, but his era at the club. The Aussie took a gamble by moving Kulusevski into midfield—and so far, it’s been nothing short of a masterstroke.  

Dejan Kulusevski has been an absolute revelation in this new role. His creativity, ability to glide past defenders, relentless work rate, and fierce determination have transformed him into the perfect embodiment of Postecoglou’s vision for the No.8 role. Against Manchester United, he didn’t just play well—he owned the pitch. Kulusevski orchestrated the game, pulling the strings and creating wave after wave of attacks. In fact, Kulusevski created 9 chances for his Spurs teammates, which is the most by a visiting player at Old Trafford since the 2002/03 season. To cap off his stunning performance, he slotted home a goal with the kind of composure that screams confidence. 

This tactical shift hasn’t just paid off—it’s paid off in style. Postecoglou’s decision to reinvent Kulusevski in midfield now looks like a genius move, and the player himself seems to be thriving with newfound purpose. And here’s the kicker—he’s only 24. With so much room for growth, the thought of what Kulusevski can become under Postecoglou’s guidance is genuinely exciting. Spurs fans have every reason to be buzzing about the future.  

3) Micky van de Ven – A truly unique player 

Saying Micky van de Ven is special almost feels like an understatement. What he brings to Tottenham is something that very few defenders, if any, can replicate. His lightning-fast pace, towering 6'4" presence, and calmness under pressure make it seem like he was crafted specifically to dominate the game. And no moment highlighted that better than his stunning assist against Manchester United. He didn’t just charge up the field—he sliced through United's defense like a hot knife through butter, sprinting 50 yards with ease before delivering a perfect cross for Brennan Johnson to finish. It was the kind of play you simply don’t expect from a center-back. 

Even Johnson couldn’t believe it, saying after the match, “He blows my mind, to be honest… he’s a 6ft 4” center-back who can run as fast as anyone! That goal was all about him.” And that’s the magic of Van de Ven—how can someone so physically imposing also be so quick and elegant on the ball? He’s a genuine phenomenon, and it’s no coincidence that Tottenham’s form dipped dramatically when he got injured last season against Chelsea. With him in the side, Spurs are a different animal entirely. In fact, some would argue he’s the most vital player in Postecoglou’s squad right now. 

As long as Van de Ven stays fit, Tottenham’s defense looks rock solid. His partnership with Cristian Romero is quickly becoming one of the most formidable in the league. When people talk about the best defenders in the Premier League, names like Virgil van Dijk, Ruben Dias, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes often come up. But Spurs fans know the truth—Van de Ven belongs right in that conversation. Honestly, he’s not just one of the best defenders in England, he’s emerging as one of the best defenders in world football.