Tottenham player ratings v Manchester United: Senior duo shambolic in 4/10 displays
COMMENT
Tottenham exited the FA Cup at the semi final stage for the second successive season after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
The Lilywhites, playing at their adopted home ground but with half the usual amount of fans, made a bright start to proceedings and took the lead in the opening 12 minutes, Christian Eriksen latching on to a long ball forward and cutting a fierce cross across goal for Dele Alli to slide home and score.
However, despite their early domination, Spurs were unable to capitalise further and found themselves pegged back by Alexis Sanchez's header 13 minutes later, which came after Mousa Dembele had lost the ball to Paul Pogba in his own defensive third.
It was an enthralling, end-to-end encounter which saw both sides threaten, David de Gea and Michel Vorm both tested, and Mauricio Pochettino's men could have gone into half time ahead had Eric Dier's shot deflected inches to the right, cannoning back off the post instead.
However it was the Red Devils who picked up victory, and progression to the final, Ander Herrera's second half strike all that separated the two teams, with Spurs having to settle for another semi final exit after losing to Chelsea at the same stage last season.
So how did the Spurs stars perform?
Here, Football Insider rates the Tottenham players out of 10 for their performances against the Red Devils, including a senior duo who were shambolic in their 4/10 displays.
Click 'reveal' below to see how we rated Tottenham's stars v Manchester United
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Goalkeeper and defence
Michel Vorm - 4: Pochettino showed faith and started the Dutch stopper over Hugo Lloris once again, as he has done this season in the cups. Had no chance with Sanchez's goal, while his nerves were on show as he sliced an early clearance.
Kieran Trippier - 6: With Spurs on top early on, the right back was able to try and exert his attacking threat on the visitors to Wembley, to some good success. As Mourinho's men grew into the game, his effect lessened, and he should have done better after finding the ball from an Eriksen free kick. Defensively sound.
Davinson Sanchez - 7: The Colombian returned to replace Toby Alderweireld and looked pretty comfortable against the likes of Romelu Lukaku at the heart of defence. It was his sensational pass forward which led to the opening goal.
Jan Vertonghen - 7: Dominant in early proceedings, could do nothing but watch as Paul Pogba's cross drifted over his head on the way to the opening goal.
Ben Davies - 4: A quiet opening saw him lose out when first tested by the Red Devils, failing to track the burst into the box from Sanchez for his headed goal. Caught in two minds over what to do for Ander Herrera's goal, and that indecision led to United's second. Subbed off for Lucas.
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Midfielders
Eric Dier - 7: A typically under-the-radar performance from the England enforcer, he nearly stole the limelight with a fierce strike just before the half time break, a deflection taking it onto the post. Booked with 10 minutes to play, but still pulled off a last ditch slide tackle to deny Marcus Rashford one-on-one.
Mousa Dembele - 6: His bright start to proceedings, where he looked to dominate the Manchester United midfield, was completely undone by a needless turn which gifted Paul Pogba possession and led to the equalising goal. Came in and out of the clash, with Pogba the brighter of the central powerhouses.
Dele Alli - 7: The youngster was a bright spark for Spurs up front with his willing running and trickery, and his dedication to the cause was what helped him get the first goal. A lung busting run into the box saw him in the right place at the right time and he pulled off a great sliding finish to give his side the lead.
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Attackers
Christian Eriksen - 7: The Danish star was front and centre of everything that Tottenham did up front and it was the attacking midfielder who helped draw blood first. His run helped him escape Paul Pogba and an inch-perfect cross fell on the plate of a sliding Dele Alli. Ran the show at times, and his team mates failed to match his display.
Heung-min Son - 5: Found much of the action heading down the opposite flank early on, leaving him on the periphery. Booked for a swipe on Alexis Sanchez before 30 minute, and despite being left on with just five minutes left to play, had little impact.
Harry Kane - 5: The England striker was a hard worker but he just did not have the same impact that he usually does, with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling helping to limit his impact significantly. Very few highlights for the 24-year-old, and failed to live up to expectation in a massive game.
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Substitutes
Lucas (68') - 6: Came on to replace Ben Davies as Pochettino looked for a way back into the clash - sacrificing defence for the Brazilian's pace and trickery. In reality offered very little.
Victor Wanyama (78') - 6: Coming on for Mousa Dembele in the middle of the park, the central enforcer was expected to keep things tight and help break up the Red Devils' attacks to get Spurs starting attacks of their own.
Erik Lamela (86') - N/A: Given just minutes to try and have any impact in the dying moments of the clash. Perhaps should have been brought on sooner as Spurs let their grip slip and their attacking threat dry up.
In other Tottenham news, the club must bin their top flops and swoop for a £70,000-a-week star who has stunned their rivals.