One week on from a hard-fought draw at the City Ground, the Manchester United fanbase is again debating the fallout of a score draw against a Premier League rival.
Saturday’s four-goal spectacle against Spurs in London was a mix of intensity and complacency, laced with questionable decision-making across the board.
The result of this was consecutive league outings in which three points and second place were within touching distance, only for a quickfire double to dampen spirits.
Still, it is a result that extends Ruben Amorim’s undefeated run to five, with 11 points from a possible 15, with his side very much in the Champions League conversation.
Whatever way you want to pin it, that is a remarkable situation for a side that has endured plenty of lows under their Portuguese leader, epitomised by that evening at Blundell Park.
“The three points were there” – Ruben Amorim on another Manchester United draw
From the impact of Senne Lammens and the attacking marvels of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo, to the defensive frailty that continues to rear its head, this was a helter-skelter fixture that epitomised Amorim’s United.
Despite nonsensical attempts to belittle the former Sporting man and his side, the team’s vulnerabilities are clear. Still, green shoots exist alongside a steely determination.
The Reds were six minutes from a well-worked win that would have earned a spot in the Champions League places, but for a familiar passage of defensive complacency that led to Richarlison embracing his yellow card.
However, just as they did against Nottingham Forest, United pushed with credible intensity for a share of the spoils, with the magnificent Matthijs de Ligt happy to embrace the response of the home support.
Despite the late reprieve, Amorim was aware of a missed opportunity at the final whistle.
“We should do better – be more aggressive, feel the environment in the stadium,” Amorim stated afterwards. “The three points were there, and the space was there.
“We felt too comfortable. We need to expect that in one play, anything can happen and change the mood in the stadium. Today was that.”
“We have a lot of problems,” he added. “We are just in the beginning.
“Sometimes the results show people we are improving, but [we] have a lot to do.”
| Statistics via sofascore.com | Tottenham Hotspur | Manchester United |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Total shots | 10 | 5 |
| Big chances | 3 | 2 |
| Corner kicks | 5 | 3 |
| Tackles | 26 | 21 |
| Passes | 464 | 396 |
Although conceding victory so late in the game is disheartening, the potential injury concerns for Benjamin Sesko, Casemiro and Harry Maguire are far worse.
Sesko, introduced in place of Noussair Mazraoui close to the hour mark, struggled to impose his presence, succumbing to the expected criticisms not long after the final whistle.
Furthermore, having seen a handful of opportunities come and go, the Slovenian suffered a worrying issue when chasing a long ball three minutes from time.
“I’m concerned with an injury, because it is in the knee, and I don’t know,” Amorim stated during his post-match comments.
“We need Ben [Sesko] to be a better team. We have to check. He has something in his knee. Let’s see.”
Casmeiro and Maguire were withdrawn 10 minutes later for Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro, with the latter in obvious discomfort before the substitution.
The omission of both, particularly in midfield, was a telling aspect in the final quarter.
“When we have to take out Maguire and Casemiro at the same time, then suffer two goals, then losing Ben, you have to overcome everything,” the 40-year-old added.
Thankfully, as we now enter the November international break, all three will have an extended period of recovery time, with Old Trafford set to host Everton on November 24.
It goes without saying that while it is important to recognise growth, it is crucial to point out the flaws on display.
There are plenty of question marks around several first-team players, and the upcoming transfer windows in January and the summer will continue to shape the outlook for this Ineos-led development.
But the determination of their head coach has rubbed off on the team, and although frustrations exist, it is imperative to acknowledge the players’ willingness.
That is not something the Red Army has enjoyed in quite some time.
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Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
Rest well, my beautiful nan. I will always love you ~ Shaun.
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