Manchester United’s Carabao Cup journey came to an abrupt and frustrating end against Tottenham Hotspur, with the Red Devils falling victim to individual errors that highlighted their ongoing struggles this season. The match, which ended in a bitter 3-1 defeat, showcased moments of promise but was ultimately overshadowed by the catastrophic performance of backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Signed in the summer as a reliable understudy to André Onana, Bayindir was given his opportunity to shine. However, the Turkish international failed to seize the moment, with two glaring errors that directly contributed to Tottenham’s goals and ultimately cost United their chance of defending the Carabao Cup title. Here’s a breakdown of Manchester United’s player ratings from the match:
Altay Bayindir – 3/10
To say it was a night to forget for Altay Bayindir would be an understatement. His first significant contribution was a disastrous mishandling of a routine cross, which fell straight to the feet of Richarlison, gifting Tottenham the opening goal. Later, he compounded his misery with a weak clearance under pressure that led directly to Spurs’ second strike.
For a goalkeeper with a reputation for composure and solid distribution, Bayindir looked anything but assured. His positioning was questionable, and his confidence seemed to evaporate as the game progressed. While every player is entitled to an off night, Bayindir’s errors came at the worst possible time, leaving fans questioning whether he has the quality to deputize for Onana effectively.
Diogo Dalot – 6/10
Dalot showed energy and intent on the right flank but struggled to deal with the pace and directness of Tottenham’s wide players. While he contributed to United’s attack with overlapping runs and a few dangerous crosses, his defensive positioning left much to be desired.
Harry Maguire – 5/10
Maguire, back in the starting lineup, delivered a mixed performance. While he won his fair share of aerial duels and made some key interceptions, he was slow to react during crucial moments. Maguire’s lack of pace was exposed by Tottenham’s rapid counter-attacks, and his communication with Bayindir appeared disjointed.
Victor Lindelöf – 5/10
Similar to Maguire, Lindelöf was solid in patches but failed to inspire confidence. His distribution was tidy, and he tried to bring the ball out of defense, but his inability to keep up with Tottenham’s fluid attacking movements proved costly.
Sergio Reguilón – 6/10
Facing his former club, Reguilón was one of the brighter sparks in United’s performance. He offered width on the left and was willing to take on defenders, but his final ball often lacked precision. Defensively, he worked hard but couldn’t fully contain the threats posed by Pedro Porro and Kulusevski.
Casemiro – 6/10
The Brazilian midfield anchor worked tirelessly to shield the defense but struggled to control the tempo of the game. Casemiro’s passing range was on display, and he contributed defensively with a few timely tackles, but he couldn’t prevent Tottenham from exploiting gaps in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
United’s captain was one of the few players who looked capable of turning the tide. Bruno created several chances with his vision and passing, and his determination was evident throughout. However, he lacked the support needed to truly influence the game.
Mason Mount – 6/10
Mount showed flashes of his quality, combining well with teammates in midfield and pressing high up the pitch. Despite his effort, he failed to provide a decisive contribution in the final third.
Marcus Rashford – 5/10
Rashford’s frustrating season continued as he struggled to make an impact against Tottenham’s resolute defense. His decision-making was poor, and he looked short on confidence, failing to capitalize on the few chances he had.
Rasmus Højlund – 6/10
The young striker battled hard and held up the ball well but was often isolated. Højlund’s movement was intelligent, but the lack of service limited his opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Substitutes
- Christian Eriksen (6/10): Brought some composure to midfield but couldn’t change the game’s outcome.
- Anthony Martial (5/10): Failed to provide a spark after coming on.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s Carabao Cup exit is a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering their defensive fragility and lack of cutting edge in attack. While several players underperformed, Altay Bayindir’s glaring errors will dominate the post-match discussions. If United are to salvage their season, Erik ten Hag must address these defensive lapses and rediscover the winning mentality that propelled the club to success last year. For now, the focus shifts to their next Premier League fixture, where redemption will be at the forefront of every player’s mind.
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