Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction after Bruno Fernandes stunner
Fred and Fernandes scored in a dominant performance from the Red Devils
Manchester United produced arguably its most complete performance under Erik ten Hag by beating Tottenham 2-0 to move within a point of the Premier League’s top four on Wednesday.
Second-half goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes ensured victory in a game that saw Hugo Lloris pull off a string of fine saves to keep the score down.
United now sits one point behind fourth-place Chelsea and four off Tottenham, who have played a game more.
While victory prompted a rapturous response from the crowd — Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to steal the headlines when he walked off to the changing room before the final whistle blew.
The Portugal star was an unused substitute as United impressed without him.
Ten Hag is increasingly making his presence felt at Old Trafford, with standout wins against Liverpool and Premier League leader Arsenal already this season.
And Spurs became the latest big name to fall in front of United’s home fans, who were repeatedly out of their seats in response to some of the slickest football they’ve seen from their team under the new Dutch manager.
If not for Lloris, United would have held a sizeable lead by halftime, with the goalkeeper coming up with a host of impressive saves.
But he was finally beaten by Fred and Fernandes after the break after United’s dominance paid off.
Lloris was almost guilty of gifting United the lead after just six minutes when fumbling Antony’s long-range effort.
But he recovered to produce saves to deny Marcus Rashford, Fernandes and Luke Shaw before the break, while Antony saw another shot clip the outside of the post.
Harry Kane’s effort from a tight angle just before halftime was as close as Tottenham came to taking the lead.
Ten Hag has seen his team fail to make the most of chances in front of goal in recent weeks — most recently the goalless draw with Newcastle on Sunday.
But United was ahead at the start of the second half — even if it relied on a touch of fortune when Fred’s 47th-minute shot from outside the area was diverted past Lloris by the outstretched leg of Ben Davies.
As impressive as United’s performance was, Tottenham provided little in return.
Antonio Conte appeared helpless to coax his team into life as his players were repeatedly forced into errors and struggled to build attacks.
On one of the rare occasions Tottenham did look threatening, United punished the visitors with a rapid break to make it 2-0 after 69 minutes.
Kane had seen a close-range shot blocked by De Gea — and from there United pounced, quickly moving the ball into the Spurs penalty area.
When Fred’s effort was blocked, Fernandes was quick to send a first-time shot curling past Lloris.
Fernandes and Rashford both saw further chances blocked by Lloris as United went in search for more.
Rashford eyeing up one hundred
Marcus Rashford is two goals shy of 100 in all competitions for Manchester United. He starts ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, can he bring up that landmark tonight?
Antonio Conte deciding whether to stick with 3-4-3 when Tottenham visit Manchester United
Antonio Conte is toying with the idea of sticking with Tottenham’s favoured 3-4-3 formation for the midweek trip to Manchester United despite a lack of attacking options.
Spurs will be without Richarlison (calf) for the clash at Old Trafford on Wednesday and Dejan Kulusevski is not expected to be fit enough to start after struggling during the last month with a hamstring injury.
When Richarlison was forced off in Saturday’s win over Everton, Conte switched to 3-5-2 with Yves Bissouma again impressive.
Antonio Conte deciding whether to stick with 3-4-3 when Spurs visit Man United
Conte hinted he could turn to Lucas Moura or Bryan Gil in an attempt to play 3-4-3 again
Man Utd vs Tottenham team changes
Erik ten Hag makes one change to the Manchester United side that lined-up against Newcastle at the weekend. Marcus Rashford comes in to replace Cristiano Ronaldo up top. Christian Eriksen starts on the bench against his old side.
Antonio Conte elects to go with another midfield option to replace the injured Richarlison as Yves Bissouma comes in as Tottenham’s only change.
Man Utd vs Tottenham line-ups
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford
Tottenham XI: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Doherty, Bentancur, Bissouma, Hojbjerg, Perisic, Son, Kane
Big moments at Old Trafford
Tottenham have historically struggled away from home against Manchester United but in recent seasons they have impressed at Old Trafford.
Here’s a few of their best moments in the Theatre of Dreams:
Five-in-a-row for Spurs?
Tottenham are vying for a fifth consecutive victory in league and cup, which would equal their longest winning streak under Antonio Conte.
Spurs’ total of 23 points from 10 games is their highest at this stage of a league season since 1963 (once readjusted to three points for a win).
Antonio Conte excited to test Spurs side against football ‘monster’ Man Utd
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte believes Manchester United remain a “monster” in world football, but is excited to see his team test themselves at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The Italian has repeatedly talked up the spending power of Erik ten Hag’s side during the opening months of the season, especially in reference to Spurs’ own ability in the transfer market.
Despite Tottenham enjoying their best start to a campaign in 59 years, Conte has been keen to play down talk of a title bid but knows victory away to one of the top six in midweek would mark a step forward for his players.
Antonio Conte excited to test Spurs side against football ‘monster’ Man Utd
The Tottenham boss wants his third-placed side to play with ‘personality’ at Old Trafford.
Conte on Ten Hag
Antonio Conte also spoke about Erik ten Hag in Monday’s press conferences and praised the Dutchman’s performance as head coach of Ajax saying:
“He did very well with Ajax and for sure he has taken a great job for United because United is one of the best teams in the world.”
Conte added: “He is trying to bring his ideas into the pitch, and I think also the club back him in the transfer market. Like other managers and coaches, he needs time to work and to try to improve his team.”
Ten Hag on Conte
Erik ten Hag was asked about his thoughts on his opposing manager Antonio Conte in the build-up to tonight’s fixture between Manchester United and Tottenham
“He’s a fabulous manager.” said the United boss, “He’s winning titles, trophies in the Premier League, in Italy, and you can really see his signature in the match from his team and that’s a big compliment I think.”
Man Utd Supporters’ Trust withdraws threat of legal action after ticket issues
Manchester United Supporters’ Trust has withdrawn its threat of legal action over the reduced ticket allocation for Saturday’s Premier League match at Chelsea.
Last week MUST said fans were being “treated like second-class citizens” after the rescheduling of the game saw United’s allocation reduced from 2,994 to 2,370 supporters because of policing concerns.
The group called on Hammersmith and Fulham Council to issue a new safety certificate for the match, and threatened a judicial review claim over the matter, but it has now stepped back after receiving legal responses from both the council and the Metropolitan Police.
Man Utd Supporters’ Trust withdraws threat of legal action after ticket issues
United fans have had their ticket allocation reduced for the game at Chelsea.
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