Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Red Devils' Attack a Work in Progress

Saturday's Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur clash was not the barn-burner that the tie has so often produced. However, it was resulted in a valuable three points for United, and Louis van Gaal can surely take some positives from how well United performed as a defensive unit.

He singled out Matteo Darmian's debut performance for praise in his post-match press conference, saying:

"

I think Matteo Darmian was the best player [of the new signings] because he played in ball possession very good—not too many failure passes, he doesn't lose the ball too much—and with ball possession opponent [when Spurs had the ball] he was very good.

So when I have to choose some player, some new player [to single out for praise] then it is Matteo Darmian. 

"

Van Gaal's other full-back, Luke Shaw, also impressed, continuing his fine pre-season form both in providing support to Ashley Young and in attending to his defensive duties.

The other pick of United's players was Chris Smalling, named Man of the Match by Michael Owen on BT Sport's coverage of the game. It seemed a very fair choice. He was defensively dominant, putting in four tackles, including a couple that were crucial. He also took on the leadership role to which he seems increasingly suited, organising the back four—at one point screaming at his colleagues as they set up to defend a late set piece.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

It was not just individual performances that stood out, though. The team also functioned better as a defensive unit.

When Daley Blind headed upfield to support United's possession, Morgan Schneiderlin dropped in to cover him. When compared to the start of last season, Van Gaal's side is much better organised, and while an upgrade on Blind at left-centre-back would surely help, the defensive structure and organisation looks solid. 

However, what is yet to be fully addressed is their attacking fluency.

United had more attempts on goal than Spurs; however, it was the North Londoners who troubled the opposition 'keeper more often, with four shots on target to United's one. United had a lot of possession in good areas but carved out few clear-cut chances. The manager acknowledged that his side had been "lucky" after the game. Dutch Football had this to say about Van Gaal's use of Memphis:

"

Watching Memphis in the middle is strange. His main attribute is cutting in from the left and shooting. Strange tactic from Van Gaal.

— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) August 8, 2015"

Van Gaal's decision to play Memphis—referred to by his first name here as he has asked to be known by commentators, per Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail via Twitter—behind the striker may be part of the problem.

The unit of Memphis behind Wayne Rooney with Ashley Young and Juan Mata on either flank has been Van Gaal's attacking collective since the start of pre-season. So far, it has worked only sporadically. Young and Mata combined well during the counter-attack that led to Kyle Walker's own goal, to cite a positive example. 

Also in the positives column, Memphis displayed some of his repertoire of skills but also belied some of his positional inexperience in the middle of the park. He delayed in possession a couple of times when he would have been better served moving the ball on more quickly.

Jon Super/Associated Press

There were a number of occasions in which United ran themselves into blind alleys or were forced to pass the ball back into midfield because there was not an available option ahead of the man on the ball. Rooney did not look match sharp. Indeed, Walker may have spared his blushes after United's captain looked to have fluffed his lines just before the own goal.

United's use of the ball improved somewhat when Ander Herrera appeared for his late-game cameo. For fans it was little surprise that the former Athletic Bilbao man seemed to improve United. His presence was key to almost all of United's best moments last season. Herrera thanked the fans for their support:

The fans' affection was clear as he received a rapturous reception from the Stretford End. He is loved and appreciated for his quality. Finding a way to incorporate him in the side should be a priority for Van Gaal.

There is a logical solution to the problem of including Herrera and playing Memphis in his best position. It would mean dropping Ashley Young, which would be a little harsh on a player who has given his all for Van Gaal.

However, doing so would allow Memphis to move out wide and would allow Herrera to play as the most advanced central midfielder. Given the latter's tendency to move the ball around quickly and effectively, he could be key to unlocking another level of attacking fluency. He could also open up space, which Memphis could then exploit.

There is, of course, also the possibility that United will look to improve their attack through the transfer market, but options exist within the squad as it stands.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

It seems unlikely that the manager will abandon his current set-up so quickly, but last season he demonstrated a willingness to adapt. A change will surely come if attacking performances do not improve.

Van Gaal's process is well underway at United, and the huge improvement in defensive solidity when compared with last season is no mean feat. The next step is to do the same for the attack. With the talent and financial muscle at his disposal, it should be an achievable goal.

All quotes were obtained firsthand. All advanced statistics per WhoScored.com.