“This two players are the reason we lost that game against Tottenham. We could have won that game if not because of their less concern. How do you allow a defender to do that to you?”Gary Neville points out two Manchester United players that caused the first goal as he revealed their flaws. He was in disbelief after witnessing Micky van de Ven’s incredible assist against them
Micky van de Ven delivered one of the most unforgettable moments in Premier League history for a center-back during Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Manchester United on Sunday.
Under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham launched into the game at Old Trafford with intensity. The standout moment came when Van de Ven embarked on an extraordinary 60-yard run, cutting through Manchester United’s defense with ease. His precise pass set up Brennan Johnson, who calmly finished from close range, putting Spurs ahead early. Yet, despite the goal, it was Van de Ven’s incredible solo run that truly captured everyone’s attention.
Gary Neville, commentating on Sky Sports, was in awe of Van de Ven’s performance, calling it “absolutely brilliant” and remarking that it was one of the best runs he had ever witnessed from a center-back in the Premier League.
The Dutch defender’s efforts earned widespread acclaim. Observers were quick to note that Van de Ven now leads Tottenham in assists this season, surpassing many of his teammates, an unusual feat for a defender.
Not all reactions were focused solely on Van de Ven’s brilliance. A number of fans were quick to highlight Manchester United’s defensive shortcomings. One frustrated supporter asked, “How can a team be so poorly organized? Van de Ven didn’t even have to hesitate—he had acres of space to run into.” Another fan marveled at the physical prowess of the Spurs defender, commenting, “Van de Ven’s speed is like something out of a video game. He’s one of the strongest runners this league has ever seen.” A third simply summed up their thoughts by saying, “He’s an absolute machine.”
Meanwhile, others continued to critique United’s defensive woes, with one fan bluntly stating, “That was an incredible run, but United’s defending was downright awful.” Another supporter pointed out, “Ugarte should’ve shut him down, but he didn’t even sense the threat until it was far too late.”
Van de Ven’s remarkable pace shouldn’t be surprising to those who follow the league closely. He set the record for the fastest sprint in Premier League history last season, reaching a top speed of 37.38 km/h.
Tottenham manager Postecoglou has been generous in his praise for Van de Ven. Recently, the coach described the Dutchman as “a pretty special footballer” following a similar solo run where Van de Ven covered over 70 yards before assisting Heung-min Son in a match against Everton. The Dutch center-back is not just solid defensively but also proves to be an offensive threat, highlighting his value to the team.
As Tottenham continues to evolve under Postecoglou’s leadership, Van de Ven’s unique contributions on both ends of the field are likely to make him an even more integral figure for the team moving forward. His ability to combine defensive solidity with incredible speed and vision is a rare asset, and his performances will no doubt be remembered by fans and pundits alike.
