SIXFIELDS STADIUM, Northampton—Manchester United's defending during the passage of play in which Northampton Town won a penalty definitely had a hint of the circus about it.
From Marcos Rojo's failed attempt at a headed clearance to Daley Blind's panicked, lunging challenge, "Entry of the Gladiators"—the classic circus musical accompaniment—would have made a perfect score.
Eventually, the Red Devils got themselves back on track. Jose Mourinho had to bring the big guns into the big top, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford entered the fray, changing the balance of the game in United's favour.