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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dan Kilpatrick

Tottenham player ratings vs Manchester United: Micky van de Ven spectacular but Timo Werner struggles again

Tottenham produced one of their best performances under Ange Postecoglou in a year, as they thrashed 10-man Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Brennan Johnson’s fourth goal on the bounce got Spurs off to a perfect start and sorry United were dealt another blow when captain Bruno Fernandes was shown a straight red card for a lunge on James Maddison shortly before the interval.

Spurs added a second at the start of the second half through Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke wrapped up a big win with a close-range finish.

Here’s how we rated the visiting players…

Guglielmo Vicario 7

Denied Joshua Zirkzee a first-half equaliser with a strong one-handed stop. Composed in possession and commanded his area.

Pedro Porro 7

Composed defensively and got forward well in support of Johnson.

Cristian Romero 7

Made an important block to deflect Alejandro Garnacho’s effort in the second half but switched off in stoppage time, leading to a big chance for Matthijs de Ligt. Excellent with the ball at his feet.

Micky van de Ven 9

Produced another spectacular assist with a run from inside his own half, capped with a superb cross for Johnson. There is no other centre-back in the world who can do what he can.

Destiny Udogie 8

So hard for United to pick up in the first half, and twice went close with shots after venturing into the box. Forced off at the interval with what appeared to be a muscle problem.

Rodrigo Bentancur 8

Another quietly commanding display at the base of the midfield, recycling the ball calmly and providing a platform for Spurs’ attacking players to express themselves.

Dejan Kulusevski 9

Outstanding in midfield again, capping his performance with a deft finish for the second goal. Clearly relishes playing in the middle.

James Maddison 8

In front of watching England boss Lee Carsley, Maddison was a livewire with and without the ball. Seemed to be enjoying spraying passes with the outside of his boot and his interchange with Kulusevski was superb.

Brennan Johnson 8

Scored for the fourth game running and struck the base of the post in another performance full of zip. What a turnaround since the Arsenal defeat.

Timo Werner 6

Missed two one-on-ones with tame shots too close to goalkeeper Andre Onana. Always provided an outlet and linked up well with Udogie and Spence, but needs to take his chances.

Dominic Solanke 8

Deserved a third goal in as many games for another tireless display at centre-forward. Never stopped running and his link-up play was impressive. Missed a one-on-one late on.

Subs

Djed Spence (Udogie 45’) 7

Not afraid to carry the ball forward and no-nonsense at the back.

Lucas Bergvall (Werner 76’) 7

Helped to create Solanke’s goal with his first touch when Sarr headed on his corner. Silky on the ball as Spurs saw out a big game.

Pape Matar Sarr (Maddison 76’) 7

Set up a goal within seconds of his introduction when he nodded Bergvall’s corner into Solanke’s path but missed a golden chance to score when he nodded wide with the goal gaping.

Mikey Moore (Johnson 76’) 7

Showed glimpses of class with a couple of purposeful runs down the left and curled a shot wide.

Radu Dragusin (van de Ven 81’) 6

Gave Van de Ven a rest for the final 10 minutes.

Not used: Forster, Bissouma, Gray, Lankshear.

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