Tottenham 3-0 Manchester United: Morgan Schneiderlin blames players' mentality for defeat

Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin believes that the Red Devils' capitulation against Tottenham Hotspur was more of a mental thing than it showed on the pitch. United conceded three goals within a span of seven minutes and the former Southampton man believes that the visitors were downbeat after conceding the first goal, having kept Spurs away for the major part of the two halves.

The Red Devils were cut open minutes after teenage defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah had to be substituted in the 67th minute with an injury, which disoriented the Red Devils backline allowing Dele Alli to find the back of the net after some neat interplay. The goals followed in abundance soon after as Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela got themselves on the scoresheet, dealing a massive blow to United's chances of finishing in the top four. United are currently four points adrift of Manchester City, who won their game against West Bromwich Albion in the weekend.

"After the first goal we lost a bit of shape, maybe it was a mental thing," said Schneiderlin, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. "In the first half we had possession and caused a few problems but after the goal it happened so quickly, three goals so quick cannot happen.

"Everyone has their head down like you can imagine. No-one would have thought that after 60 minutes it would have been 3-0. But fair play to them they got us when we were a bit down. Like I say it is us to blame."

Van Gaal came out in defence of his team, stating that irrespective of the result, United were the bigger team among the two and he did not regret snubbing a move to White Hart Lane. The Dutchman's future at Old Trafford is under question but he has been asked to organise United's pre-season tour before the start of next season, which has given him hope that he will be allowed to see off his contract.