Sections of Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter tonight to aim abuse in the direction of Ed Woodward, following their side’s harrowing defeat at the hands of Tottenham.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
The two sides went head to head at Old Trafford in an 8pm kick-off, with hosts United having no doubt been desperate for an immediate bounce-back performance, following their embarrassing 3-2 defeat at the hands of Brighton last time out.
Tottenham, on the other hand, were hoping to build on an excellent start to their own campaign.
The North Londoners had dispatched of both Newcastle and Fulham in impressive fashion over the last fortnight.
And, in the end, form held true tonight, as Spurs put United to the sword by 3 goals to nil.
Harry Kane and Man of the Match Lucas Moura (2) bagged the goals, as yet another comical defensive showing from the Red Devils saw Tottenham take full advantage in clinical fashion.
United’s defensive struggles continue
In truth, United actually came out of the blocks full of vigour and intent this evening. Romelu Lukaku had several chances to put the home side ahead during the first-half, but proved wasteful when it mattered.
However, while the profligacy of the Red Devils in front of goal did not exactly help, as mentioned above, it was once again defensive shortcomings which cost Jose Mourinho’s men tonight.
The game’s opening goal saw Harry Kane simply peel off Phil Jones with consummate ease to nod home a superb header, before a Chris Smalling disaster-class soon followed for Lucas Moura’s brace.
The English stopper first bafflingly attempted to step up and play the offside trap in the buildup to the Brazilian’s first, despite Ander Herrera having dropped in behind him, before Smalling’s dreadful attempted challenge allowed Lucas to breeze through one-on-one with David De Gea and bury his second.
Phil Jones was also forced off injured during the second-half, with his replacement, Victor Lindelof, having looked equally as shaky during his half-hour on the pitch.
As such, with Eric Bailly having been omitted from United’s matchday squad altogether, it’s safe to say that the Red Devils looked short on central defensive options.
‘The fate of our season is on one person, Ed Woodward’
And, with Toby Aldweireld having put in an absolute masterclass at the other end for Tottenham, the reaction online has since been predictably ruthless on behalf of Manchester United’s fans.
Red Devils’ executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been the man targeted, with the Twitter highlights below:
Alderweireld has been Spurs best player. Nevermind though, Ed Woodward didn’t think we needed another centre back.
— Mike (@MikeLUHG) August 27, 2018
Just remember Ed Woodward didn’t want to sign Toby Alderweireld because he didn’t think he was better than any of the defenders we have already. #mufc
— Simply Utd (@SimplyUtd) August 27, 2018
Ed Woodward is at Old Trafford trying to explain how he felt Toby Alderweireld was not a significant upgrade over Smalling and Jones. 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/rpmRzqS0o3
— Man Utd Channel (@ManUtdChannel) August 27, 2018
Don’t want to see one single person blaming Mourinho for this. This match and the fate of our season is on one person, ED WOODWARD. Who the fuck is he to decide that Alderweireld isn’t better than anything we have? Absolute clown
— Alex (@Alex94_mufc) August 27, 2018
The truth is, Mourinho knew he desperately needed a centre back in pre season and Woodward turned his back on him. Defensive mistakes against Brighton and Tottenham could’ve been avoided with Alderweireld (who has been exceptional) or Maguire there. Woodward’s face makes me sick.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) August 27, 2018
‘Ed Woodward, you know best’
It’s clear that if Alderweireld was in the United defence, we would be a far better team. A massive failing by Woodward to not give Jose the player he wanted.
— James Kenny 🐝 (@JamesyCantona) August 27, 2018
Alderweireld was an absolute colossus for Spurs. Showed Ed Woodward what we were missing. Wouldn’t trust any of our centre backs to win a 1v1 vs any attacker lol.
— Vik (@IconicNumber7) August 27, 2018
Mourinho recognise our centre halves were trash months ago and pleaded up until the last minute for better ones, we got told Alderweireld and Maguire were no better than what we have….absolute state of anyone defending Woodward.
— Mike (@Mike87_MUFC) August 27, 2018
Toby Alderweireld was absolutely outstanding this evening for Spurs. Whereas both of our spastic centre halves dumb (Smalling) & dumber (Jones) continue to make it look like they’ve won a competition to play for United weekly. But sure it’s fine Ed Woodward you know best.
— Roy Keane (@RoyKeane__) August 27, 2018
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