Manchester United travelled to Tottenham Hotspur severely weakened by a raft of brutal injury and illness blows across the week that followed last Sunday’s FA Cup win against Leicester City. They return up north with an eighth defeat in 14 Premier League games under Ruben Amorim and morale as low as ever.

Amorim was without 12 players in total and named an academy-themed bench with an average age of 19.3, lowering already-dwindling expectations.

James Maddison’s first-half rebound proved enough to clinch Tottenham’s first Premier League home win since November 3.

Express Sport rates the United players after a 1-0 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, their third against Ange Postecoglou’s side in a rapidly deteriorating season.

Man Utd player ratings vs Tottenham

Andre Onana: 6

Did well to get down and save Lucas Bergvall’s shot but left it in Maddison’s path. A hatful more saves followed.

Noussair Mazraoui: 7

Defended well. Produced some big blocks. Joshua Zirkzee had to head his pinpoint cross on target in the second half.

Harry Maguire: 6

Organised the back three in an adequate defensive team performance, barring the hosts’ opening goal.

Matthijs de Ligt: 6

Static to allow Maddison to tap the ball past the floored Andre Onana, but solid from there. Made several clearances and won the vast majority of his duels.

Diogo Dalot: 5

Struggled to contain Son Heung-min and didn’t attempt to cross the ball near enough, given United’s height in attack. Improved as the game went on.

Casemiro: 3

United’s highest-paid player struggles to complete a pass and has grown accustomed to watching opposition players glide past him in midfield. His first minutes of 2025 for a reason. Has to go this summer.

Bruno Fernandes: 5

Looked visibly frustrated, and it’d be hard to blame him. Was essentially asked to do the role of two players to cover centrally and out wide. Not nearly as effective when he’s deeper.

Patrick Dorgu: 7

Impressive Premier League debut. Offered an attacking option on the left wing but Alejandro Garnacho ignored the overlap too often.

Joshua Zirkzee: 7

His outing as one of Amorim’s attacking midfielders went better than it did against Newcastle United in December. Nice and tidy on the ball. Clever passes aplenty. Missed a great headed chance on 71 minutes.

Alejandro Garnacho: 4

Seemed like he was on the end of every single United chance, but he’s not taking them. Had to equalise in the first half. He’s only converted two of his 14 big chances in the Premier League this season (14 per cent).

Rasmus Hojlund: 5

As sharp as he’s looked for some time. Enjoyed the acres of space Tottenham gave him. Fired a decent opening straight at Guglielmo Vicario at 0-0 and has now gone 15 games without a goal.

Substitutes

Chido Obi: N/A

Amorim waited far too long to introduce him. A proud day on his return to north London. United’s 252nd academy graduate.