October 31, (THEWILL) – Manchester United crushed Tottenham 3-0 in London on Saturday, delivering a hugely important performance for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
After a four-game winless streak in the Premier League, which culminated in the humiliating 5-0 home loss to Liverpool last week, the Red Devils boss knew that a poor performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could have jeopardised his job.
Solskjaer replied by switching to a back three and pairing Edinson Cavani with Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the game’s first goal just before halftime.
Midway through the second half, Ronaldo set up Cavani for his first Premier League goal of the season, and substitute Marcus Rashford added a late third to make life even more difficult for Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
After a tense start in which the greatest chance was a blocked Cavani shot in the area, Son Heung-min squandered a terrific opportunity when he pushed the ball over the crossbar after taking down Lucas Moura’s assist.
Cavani’s header from 12 yards went just wide of Hugo Lloris’ right-hand goal, then Cristian Romero bundled the ball in from Eric Dier’s flick-on at a Spurs corner, despite the assistant referee’s flag being raised correctly – if belatedly.
Ronaldo’s opening, however, was unassailable, the Portugal star timing his movement to perfection to meet Bruno Fernandes’ pinpoint pass and volley low beyond Lloris.
Following the break, a fantastic second for Ronaldo was called out for offside, as Spurs showed fresh attacking zeal but failed to trouble David de Gea’s goal.
United were content to wait for their opportunities and gladly accepted the next one when it came along. Ronaldo’s smart move and perfect pass allowed Cavani through after Fernandes stole the ball from Oliver Skipp in midfield, and his strike partner produced an exquisite finish past Lloris.
Rashford was sent into the box by Nemanja Matic, who was brought on to strengthen United’s grip on the game. Rashford calmly finished his second goal in three league appearances.
United’s victory moved them back into fifth place in the Premier League, just three points behind Manchester City, who had previously been stunned by Crystal Palace at home.
However, should United lose the derby next week when the champions visit Old Trafford, Solskjaer’s position will likely be threatened again, although his job is safe for the time being.
With the change in system, United had significantly more consistency, but the partnership between Ronaldo and Cavani was also a significant plus. Their finishing was flawless, and the interplay for Cavani’s goal was fantastic, while the extra body further forward helped to eliminate the necessity for the high-risk pressing that had exposed United against Liverpool.
Spurs are two points behind in eighth place with five wins and five losses from ten games. When Lucas was replaced by Steven Bergwijn nine minutes into the second half, the home fans booed loudly, indicating Nuno’s precarious situation.
As Spurs enter what appears to be a friendlier run of fixtures, pressure is rising on the Portuguese after a third defeat without scoring in four games.
On Tuesday, United traveled to Atalanta in the Champions League before hosting City on Saturday. Spurs play Vitesse in the Europa League on Thursday and then travel to Everton the following Sunday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
