Manchester United FC’s opening game of the Project Restart against Tottenham Hotspurs ended in a stalemate for the two sides. The match, which was held at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, was a tightly contested fixture between the Premier League sides.
The Red Devils fielded a familiar-looking starting lineup, similar to what was chosen by Solskjaer before the lockdown period. Paul Pogba could not fight his way into the starting lineup and had to be content with a place on the bench.
The game started on a sour note for Manchester United FC supporters as their side’s goalkeeper David De Gea made a huge error. The Spaniard could not save Steven Bergwijn’s strike in the 27th minute, which was aimed straight at him.
Bergwijn’s goal meant that Tottenham Hotspurs were on the verge of ending the Red Devils 11-match unbeaten streak. A victory would have given former Manchester United FC manager Jose Mourinho some much-needed respite in his new stint as the Spurs coach.
Soon after letting in Bergwijn’s goal, De Gea made a fantastic save from Son Heung-min’s header at the far post. Bergwijn’s speed on the right-wing greatly troubled the Red Devils defence on several occasions during the game.
However, after the half-time whistle, Manchester United FC improved greatly on the pitch. Pogba was brought on by Solskjaer in the 63rd minute and the French international made an instant impact.
Pogba’s ability on the ball, coupled with his passing vision, greatly benefited the Manchester United FC side. He was able to find pockets of space for Rashford to run into and initiate a counterattack for the Red Devils.
The 27-year old Pogba soon made a scintillating run down the line and was brought done by Eric Dier in the penalty area. Referee Jonathan Moss awarded a spot-kick to the visitors which was dispatched by Bruno Fernandes without any troubles.
A second appeal for another foul made by Dier did not convince Moss to blow the whistle against Spurs. However, the Red Devils continued to apply pressure on the hosts and put in a dominant showing.
The game ended 1-1, however, much notice was made of the brilliant linkup between Pogba and Fernandes, something which had been anxiously awaited by the Manchester United FC supporters.
However, the focus was diverted towards shambolic performances from both Harry Maguire and David De Gea.
Maguire was repeatedly caught sleeping by Bergwijn, who troubled the English international with his speed. As for the De Gea, the Spanish shot-stopper could have easily saved Bergwijn’s shot, which was aimed straight at him.
The draw between the two sides if of no use to either of them. Chelsea FC would take the match’s result in their stride as it gives them an opportunity to increase their gap for the fourth position in the Premier League table.
The Red Devils will now take the field on 24th June, against high-flyers Sheffield United, in a fixture which would be contested at Old Trafford.
