Phil Jones and Chris Smalling made their first starts of the season for Manchester United on Monday, with manager Jose Mourinho reacting to last week’s shambolic defeat to Brighton by completely changing his rearguard. Out went Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof and in came the English duo, alongside Ander Herrera in a back three.
The change worked for a half, but United fell apart in the second half as Jones and Smalling were at fault for three Tottenham goals in a 3-0 loss.
KEY STATS
Smalling
Tackles – 2
Clearances – 5
Interceptions – 1
Blocks – 1
Aerial duels won – 6/6
Jones
Tackles – 1
Clearances – 4
Interceptions – 2
Blocks – 0
Aerial duels won – 0/0
30-SECOND REPORT
For a while, Jones and Smalling looked an instant improvement on Bailly and Lindelof. In the first half both added stability to United’s back line, with Smalling immaculate in the air and producing a couple of key tackles. Herrera’s presence alongside them helped, as well, as they contained Spurs’ attacking threat.
However, a second-half collapse saw Jones at fault for two goals in two minutes, then taken off for an injury, before Smalling – who had a good game otherwise – was beaten for Spurs’ third.
The lack of concentration from Manchester United's centre backs (apart from Smalling tonight) has been nothing short of embarrassing. Genuinely shocking.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) August 27, 2018
GOT RIGHT
Both defenders had solid first halves, with Smalling in particular putting in some excellent tackles. He looked assured during the first 45 minutes, as did Jones, as they kept Tottenham at bay.
Spurs barely had a sniff in the first half, largely because of United’s dominance in midfield but also because Smalling and Jones were resolute whenever their opponents threatened. It made the second-half collapse all the more painful to watch.
GOT WRONG
Jones was at fault for Spurs’ first goal, losing Harry Kane and giving him just enough space to plant a perfect header into the corner. The floodgates opened from there. He was partially at fault again a minute later, caught out of position as Spurs broke, leaving his defence at sixes and sevens to allow Lucas Moura to score.
Smalling actually had a good game overall, showing application that his fellow defenders lacked, but lost a one-on-one duel for Spurs’ third.
First time MUFC have conceded seven or more goals in the opening three league games for 49 years.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) August 27, 2018
VERDICT
A good first half can’t make up for what transpired after the break, when Jones essentially cost United the game with two mistakes in two minutes. Making it more painful was the way Smalling was beaten for Spurs’ third.
The duo knew they were expected to be an improvement on Bailly and Lindelof, and for the first 45 minutes they seemed like they were. Ultimately, however, they showed how bare United’s defensive cupboard is.
RATING – 3/10
