Manchester United suffered a second successive defeat as three second-half goals from Tottenham Hotspur dramatically changed a contest that had promised a better outcome for the Reds in the first period.
United were left reeling as Spurs survived a chance-laden opening 45 minutes for the hosts and then grabbed two goals in two minutes from Harry Kane and Lucas Moura soon after the break. The quickfire double blow crushed the Reds' spirit and Moura added his second goal with six minutes to go to seal a joyless night for the Reds.
There had been a breathless start to the game with United’s chastened team looking intent on sending out a message that the 3-2 Brighton defeat a week last Sunday was a one-off. This time the Reds' attitude looked spot on. Jose Mourinho's men were sparky, lively, determined and confident.
Spurs had arrived at Old Trafford with a two-match winning start from victories at Newcastle and at home to Fulham. But it was Mauricio Pochettino’s side who initially looked like they were feeling the affects of a hangover of defeat, not the Reds. The visitors were nervy, ragged and out of sorts as United tore into them from the off with pace and adventure.
Mourinho’s new-look three-man central defence allowed an attacking midfield five the chance to get on the front foot. And get on the front foot they certainly did. With Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba doing the more guarding roles in the engine room, Fred in particular found early freedom to attack Spurs.
Read the manager's verdict on United v Tottenham, Luke Shaw's display and the fans' support.