Manchester United beat Spurs at home

Manchester United beat Tottenham at home and get one up on former boss.

Marcus Rashford scored twice as Manchester United beat Tottenham 2-1 and handed Jose Mourinho his first loss as Spurs’ manager.

One of the subplots heading into Old Trafford was the reunion between Jose Mourinho and his former club. Things between ended rather unceremoniously as he was fired midway through his third season with the Red Devils.

Ole Gunner Solskjaer came into this game with a little bit of pressure himself needing a victory against the man who preceded him. Fortunately for him, his club did just that.

The win was not a fluke either. Despite the one-goal margin, United were the better team throughout the game.

Marcus Rashford opened the score within ten minutes as his shot from inside the area took a bounce just as it was nearing Paulo Gazzaniga. The Spurs keeper could only get a slight deflection as the ball found itself in the back of the net.

United played well after the goal and had opportunities for a second. But the brilliance of Dele Alli inside the United box led to a wonderful equalizer.

The stalemate would not last long as Rashford netted his brace early in the second-half via a penalty after being fouled by Moussa Sissoko. He calmly sent the keeper the other way and delivered the game winning goal.

It was a complete performance by Manchester United who looked very good on the night. Maligned players such as Fred had outstanding games rarely putting a foot in wrong. The Brazilian was an anchor in midfield and dropped back to defend and came up huge on several occasions.

Whether their performance was due to the rival or the players wanted to get one over on a manager they clearly didn’t like in the end is up for debate.

Mourinho’s side was second best and signs pointed that Tottenham were due for a loss. Despite winning their last four matches in all competitions, their performances have not been entirely convincing.

With the loss, Spurs have now given up nine goals in four matches. For a manager whose reputation is based on solidity at the back, this has to be a cause for concern.

The win provided a relief for Solskjaer who celebrated after the match by going around the pitch and was quite animated with the Old Trafford faithful.

With the win, Manchester United move up to sixth place while Spurs sit in eighth.

Spurs face Burnley at home next while United get ready for the Manchester Derby as they take on City at the Etihad.