The lack of ruthlessness meant that Manchester United were limited to a frustrating goalless draw against Newcastle United on Sunday at Old Trafford. This was United’s first draw of the campaign and they remain fifth in the table.
Christian Eriksen’s absence was deeply felt as United failed to create too many chances during the course of the match. Fred and substitute Marcus Rashford were guilty of missing brilliant opportunities towards the end of the contest.
The opposition will get tougher this week with games against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea scheduled for this week. Both teams are in the top 4 and United will need to win both if they are to keep pace with the group ahead.
Suspension danger for United duo
Spurs will be first and they will be a tough nut to crack as they have only lost once so far this season. Erik ten Hag will be hoping for a much better screen, but he too will be wary of a huge factor that could cost them in the future.
Diogo Dalot’s match in numbers vs. Newcastle United:
88% passing accuracy 15 final third passes 3/4 run duels won 3 ball recoveries 3 tackles won 2 long balls completed 2 key passes 1/1 aerial duels won
Why didn’t he shoot? ???? pic.twitter.com/iViq9lV5Vu
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 16, 2022
Against Newcastle, Ten Hag would have liked to have fielded Scott McTominay to turn the tide of the game just as he did against Omonia in midweek, but the Scot was suspended after receiving five bookings so far.
And the same fate could befall Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, two players who have started every Premier League game so far this season.
Both have accumulated four yellow cards so far. Fernandes received his last against Newcastle for a late foul on Bruno Guimaraes, while Dalot’s last card was against City in the Manchester Derby.
Ten Hag will surely brief them on the situation and remind them of their importance to the team.
As of now, both players do not have a similar replacement. Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are capable of playing the number 10 role, but the Dutch manager prefers to use the Danish playmaker from deep and wouldn’t want to change that.
Ten Hag’s last concern
As for Van De Beek, not even the arrival of his former coach has improved his situation and he appears to be on the verge of leaving. He remains injured and the busy months of October and November were seen as the best time to claim a first-team spot.
Even Fred has been sent there, but hasn’t been able to do even the basics properly. Youngsters like Zidane Iqbal are too raw to be thrown into the mix from the start.
Dalot’s absence will be felt even more. His replacement, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, has been missing for a long time and it’s only a matter of time before he’s shown the exit door.
Ten Hag is not a big fan of his awkwardness on the ball and even used left-back Tyrell Malacia there for a half. He may be forced to do the same or deploy Victor Lindelof as a stopgap if the need arises.
Both are not the same in terms of offense and attack, so it is imperative for the Red Devils that both players do not receive more warnings against the Spurs.
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