Not Martial or Sancho – Man Utd set to cut two disappointing Erik ten Hag players loose after Tottenham draw

Manchester United made four substitutions against Tottenham on Thursday night, but none of them stood out as Erik ten Hag’s side blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 in north London. The good news for the Red Devils is that half of the foursome will be leaving at the conclusion of the season. More is required if the club is to compete for the Premier League crown next season, and their manager is well aware of this.

Manchester United appeared to be on their way to a comfortable victory over Tottenham after goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford in the first 44 minutes.

However, the Red Devils were defeated for the second game in a month, with Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min scoring to earn the hosts a point.

Ten Hag was chastised online for his substitutions throughout the game, as all four players he brought on failed to make an impact.

Fred served a purpose, but his introduction of Christian Eriksen backfired, as the latter impressed on his return to his previous club.

Anthony Martial was sent on as an offensive figurehead but seemed sluggish, frustrating Ten Hag by taking his time to come on.

Wout Weghorst pressed well, as expected, but the Netherlands international is definitely not talented enough to remain at the club permanently.

Tyrell Malacia looked shaky again, having battled in the latter moments of Sevilla’s 2-2 tie earlier this month.

United were pleased with a point, which they would have accepted before the game began.

However, given their previous dominance, they should have won and left the capital with all three points.

However, it has previously been reported that players such as Martial and Weghorst are set to leave the club at the end of the season.

And their departures are likely to make way for better players, despite Ten Hag admitting that the pair can both be impressive at times.

Martial has been a member of the club since 2015.

United took a chance on the Dutch international in January, hoping he’d be a suitable short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

He has flashes of brilliance but, simply put, isn’t fit or consistent enough to be the Red Devils’ focal point in attack.

United are interested in signing Harry Kane, who was a constant threat throughout the game despite failing to score.

And Martial’s impending departure could smooth the way for the Red Devils to sign the Tottenham striker, but they definitely need a backup front in the event of a departure.

Especially if Weghorst returns to Burnley as predicted.

United took a chance on the Dutch international in January, hoping he’d be a suitable short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite this, Weghorst trails the Portugal international in the club’s scoring charts this season, having only two goals to his name.

However, there is a growing belief that United will allow Weghorst to return to Turf Moor at the end of the season.

Fred is expected to sign a new deal with the club after proving to be a valuable player under Ten Hag’s tenure.

Malacia, who arrived from Feyenoord last year, will be given the opportunity to show himself in the future.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag was asked if United’s draw with Tottenham was ‘disappointing’ in the immediate aftermath of the game.

“The goals we conceded were so easy,” he continued. We did not block the crosses, and you must be proactive in this situation.

“We needed to come out to block the shot with the second long ball, and we didn’t – it was so easy for them, and it kept coming, and it was so easy to score then.”

“We come into every game expecting to win, but it was obvious how they managed the game.” We wanted to win, but we didn’t.

“I thought the draw was fine before [the game].”

“However, when you see this game, when you are 2-0 up, you have to manage the game and get it over the line.”