Man Utd toothless without a striker

The only striker to start the game in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford scored both of the goals. Jean-Philippe Mateta showed what a proper centre-forward can do – and what Ruben Amorim’s side continue to sorely lack.

There are numerous issues at United, wing-backs who cannot create, defenders being outwitted and a ponderous midfield, but it was the sight of Kobbie Mainoo playing up front that highlighted the obvious contrast between the two teams on Sunday.

The out-of-position teenager did have his moments early on. He set up a good chance for Alejandro Garnacho and then struck the post himself. But that was it. The trouble that Mateta caused the defenders at the other end of the pitch was a different matter.

United just look toothless. It is 16 games since they led at half-time. The only first-half goal they have scored in their last 14 in all competitions was Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the defeat to Brighton. On this occasion, the second half was probably even worse.

What the decision to go with Mainoo says about Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee is a matter for speculation. But both of them struggled when they came on, looking totally devoid of confidence. United limp on but they continue to be a tough watch.

There is little evidence to suggest anyone left at the club, given Marcus Rashford’s departure, has the pedigree to change things. To the transfer market, then? Speaking afterwards, Amorim seem more concerned about throwing good money after bad.

“We are trying everything to improve the team, without doing the mistakes of the past, trying to balance the urgency of the moment.” United need help. But the question is not just whether they can afford the right striker. It is whether they can really afford to wait.
Adam Bate

Spence stands up to be counted ahead of Salah test

Djed Spence take a bow. The Tottenham defender, playing out of position at left-back, did a fine job on Sunday marshalling Bryan Mbeumo. Next up? Mohamed Salah.

The stats show he won eight of his 10 duels at the Gtech and no-one won more tackles in a Spurs shirt. Impressive. But there were also the other moments which made a difference – how he used his strength to shoulder the Bees ace off the ball to win a throw, how he forced Mbeumo to turn back rather than cross, his recovery pace to shut down a Brentford charge down that side…

After being ineligible in midweek and injured against Leicester, this was a timely return to the team – and underlined the progress Spurs’ full-back has made.

“He’s been outstanding since he’s come into the team,” said Postecoglou afterwards. “He loves the challenge of taking on the elite. Bryan is right up there, especially here. You can see he loves that challenge. That was another reason we kept Micky [van de Ven] on ice. He’ll be important for us until Destiny gets back.”

He’ll certainly be important on Thursday, in the Carabao Cup semi-final at Liverpool when he has to contain this season’s top performer, Salah…
Peter Smith

No home comforts for Brentford right now

Brentford’s fortress has been conquered more than usual in recent weeks – they are now winless in six at home across all competitions, with their loss to Spurs their fifth defeat in that run.

Perhaps the early kick-off on Sunday isn’t ideal for generating an intimidating atmosphere but since holding the best home record in the league earlier this campaign, Brentford have struggled in west London of late.

Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool have featured in that run, so they have faced tough opposition – but this weekend Thomas Frank will be left reflecting on how his side failed to make long spells in Spurs’ final third count.

Thirty-seven crosses, 48 touches in the box and 2.29xG added up to nothing.

Away days against West Ham and Leicester are up next and Frank will be hoping for a positive return from those fixtures so they can capitalise on their next home game, against Everton, and return to picking up important points at their HQ.
Peter Smith

‘Nobody doing it better than Jean-Philippe Mateta’

If you had asked football fans a year ago whether Jean-Philippe Mateta was one of the top strikers in the Premier League they would have simply laughed and called you a fool.

His rise under Oliver Glasner has been phenomenal. Manchester United can only wish to have a striker possessing such power, athleticism and ruthless goalscoring ability. He makes defenders defend with his movement and his sheer brute force when in full flow is a sight to behold – as identified by his jaw-dropping 80-yard run from one end of the pitch to the other in the first half where he left four United defenders in his wake.

Mateta’s two goals at Old Trafford took his tally since February 23 of last year to 23 goals. Only Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland have scored more. He is amongst that company now.
Lewis Jones