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This time 2-0 to Manchester United 

This was supposed to be a real test for Tottenham and whether it had the ability to take on and better in form sides.

The north London tame failed-again.

After showing determination and fight against Manchester City last week, they were ineffective and insipid against a resurgent Manchester United who for the first time in two years, have won four Premier League matches in a row. 

Tottenham did not have any meaningful attacks today and lacked creativity. There were no memorable shots on goal. The owners should have made the most of the transfer window and there is nobody in the middle of the park able to effectively link to and supply the front line.

This was a big game for Spurs and an opportunity to get points and put daylight between them and those in a relegation dog fight.

Their captain, Cristian Romero would need to stand tall and encourage his team to press for the win. Instead, he made a rash challenge on the Brazilian Casmiro, which earned him a red card, his sixth since joining Spurs.

Last week he lambasted the Board for not buying new players and made known his disgruntlement.

Now his recklessness means he will be out for the next four games, just when he is needed the most, particularly against Arsenal.

Watching Tottenham this season, all they seem to do is pass the ball sideways. Occasionally, Xavi Simons will show a spark of ingenuity  but this team may very well be dragged into a relegation dog fight given its current trajectory in the EPL.

When Bryan Mbeumo scored just before half-time one got that sinking feeling that this was going to be another day of misery for Tottenham and that they would be unable to build on last week’s performance against Manchester United’s neighbours.

Would Thomas Frank be able to find the formation to turn this game around in the second half?

Tottenham defended valiantly but Manchester United had the better of this game. The Red had more shots on target.

When Bruno Fernandes scored in the 81st minute, Tottenham’s fate was sealed.

This defeat puts added pressure on Tottenham’s  CoachThomas Frank whose team continues to be in 14th position in the EPL with 29 points which joins them with Leeds in trying to get out of the drop zone.

If Tottenham end the season in 17th position, the same as Ange Postecoglou did last year, Frank may very well be shown the door. Ex-Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca is waiting in the wings. 

A good run in the Champions League may not be good enough to save the Dane.

Michael Carrick has turned around Manchester United and it is team reborn under his leadership. He is no one-hit wonder which he was labelled after beating rivals Manchester City.  Manchester United should finish top four and book a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Tottenham are yet to win a Premier League game this year.

After the defeat at the hands of Manchester United, Frank said :  “I think the first 30 minutes were a good away performance at a difficult place against a team with confidence and in a good flow. Then after the red card I am very proud of the players, the resilience, staying in the game mentality.

” Still be a threat at times to try to create something. Very proud of them and then of course we just made the three offensive subs to try and push a bit more but we concede the second. The 60 minutes playing with 10 men, they put everything into it. Very proud of them. Very proud of our fans, who travelled in numbers. You could hear them loud throughout the game.”

 “I think a big area we’ve been working really hard on is the resilience. So we didn’t get a result out of it today but what they showed out there on the pitch I think was incredible. That is what we need to build on going forward to Tuesday night’s game against Newcastle.”