Two 7/10+ ratings – Manchester United’s two best players vs Tottenham must start from now on

Manchester United’s two best players against Tottenham must start under Rúben Amorim from now on with the team under immense pressure.

Manchester United suffered another defeat as James Maddison’s first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs controlled possession early on, but United carved out a series of chances within the opening ten minutes, with Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Diogo Dalot all denied. However, the hosts struck soon after, with Maddison reacting quickest to a rebounded effort to put his side in front.

United pushed for an equaliser but lacked precision in front of goal, squandering several opportunities before heading into half-time a goal down. They increased the tempo after the break, yet their struggles in the final third continued.

With 20 minutes remaining, Tottenham regained control, but United kept pushing. Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee both had late chances, yet careless moments in possession proved costly as Rúben Amorim’s side fell to another frustrating loss in North London.

United’s two best players vs Tottenham

There are very few positives to take from United’s 1-0 loss against Tottenham, with many fans fuming that Rúben Amorim did not play the club’s Academy stars despite eight sitting on the bench.

However, from an individual point of view, there are two players who did themselves proud with positive performances from Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu.

Zirkzee was handed a 7.5/10 player rating while playing as an attacking midfielder on the right-hand side, and he was very good with the ball at his feet and looked a level above the other United attackers.

Similarly, Dorgu was handed a 7/10 rating, and it was a breath of fresh air to see him stick wide and put crosses in with his left foot. However, he could have been much more impactful had he not been ignored by Garnacho on multiple occasions.

He also defended well having to deal with Dejan Kulusevski for the entire game, which must be applauded after he’s joined an entirely new competition midway through the campaign.

Dorgu and Zirkzee must start from now on

Both players must become an integral part of Amorim’s XI for the coming matches if the head coach wants to build some form.

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With Amad out for the season, so unable to play in the right attacking midfield slot, Zirkzee must be the player Amorim uses to replace the Ivorian for the rest of the season.

Although they are both different in style, there are similarities. Zirkzee is technical with the ball at his feet, has good vision, and is always looking to drive forward and connect with his fellow teammates, which will help negate the effects of losing Amad.

“I think Josh is not a clear nine,” Amorim said of Zirkzee after the game. “He played more as a ten, he is stronger physical. He is working hard, it is a better position for him.”

Similarly, Dorgu offers a completely unique threat from the left-hand side, both from a defensive point of view and offering a left-footed outlet from the byline in opposition final thirds.

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