Five things Tottenham learned in stunning win at Old Trafford

4. Left back may be a problem

Ben Davies is a player who will always have his critics and hasn’t had the best start to the campaign. The pace of Ryan Sessegnon gave the Welshman problems last weekend and brought back suppressed memories of Liverpool away for the Tottenham faithful. Danny Rose came back into the fold last night with a chance to re-establish himself as Spurs’ first choice left back.

But Rose looked rusty from the start selling Lloris drastically short with a back pass from which Lukaku should have capitalized. Rose did settle but was outshone by another former Pochettino prodigy: Luke Shaw.

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The ex Southampton man played with the kind of zeal and swagger that Rose boasted a couple of seasons ago but can’t seem to recapture. I’m sure Gareth Southgate was watching on and it would seem a no brainer to swap the pair for his next English squad.

Although there has been a lot of talk about Rose heading to foreign shores before the end of the month his inclusion in the starting 11 means that he’ll likely be staying put.

Davies should regain his place for Watford this weekend, although the versatile Kyle Walker-Peters also provides an option. Overall, Tottenham do have some healthy competition in the left back area but it still leaves most room for improvement.

5. Cohesion is key

There was obviously a lot of talk about Spurs not signing anyone in the transfer window, but the fact Tottenham kept all their stars and didn’t disrupt the side may have been overlooked. The Lily white’s boast the most settled starting XI in the league and the team’s cohesion was highlighted by United’s failings.

Mourinho made half a dozen changes to his team and has almost completely changed his porous back line every game thus far this campaign. Last night the result was some shambolic defending brutally punished by the Spurs attack.

Playing Ander Herrera in a back three was a risk that backfired when the auxiliary defender found himself acres behind the nearest red shirt, allowing Spurs to double their advantage. Meanwhile, marquee signings Fred was brought in to bring out the best in Paul Pogba and has so far only managed to achieve the contrary.

On the other hand, Poch is repeaning the benefits of a tenure as the Premier League’s longest-serving manager. Spurs continue to show the consistency that has qualified them for the previous three Champions Leagues and last week generated much talk of their ability to seamlessly switch formation mid-match.

Within an overall well-drilled and efficient ecosystem are some potent contingents. The most notable last night was the Belgian pairing at centre back. Individually, they are two of the world’s best and together can springboard Tottenham to mount a serious title challenge this season.