Bruno Fernandes seals Manchester United’s worthy win against blunt Spurs

When Bruno Fernandes curled in Manchester United’s second goal on 69 minutes a seated Erik ten Hag raised his arms in delight. The strike directly followed Harry Kane missing a gilded opportunity to equalise when smashing against David de Gea from close range. From that the hosts raced 80 yards upfield with Antony and the excellent Fred involved before United’s talisman bent a supreme finish past Hugo Lloris for only a second of the term.

Ten Hag had spoken of how more goals would come for Fernandes and provide all that has been missing from the Portuguese. As with the playmaker’s performance, United’s display this evening felt a considerable step forward as they dominated from first whistle to last, Marcus Rashford going close to a third towards the end in a victory that lifts them to 19 points, four behind Tottenham, who remain third, and Manchester City in second.

Diogo Dalot’s wild shot opened proceedings. This was answered by Rodrigo Bentancur’s raid from midfield which also ended with the target being missed, though De Gea had to stay alert.

United went on to dominate the half, their next foray a break featuring Fernandes’s dummy and Fred’s through ball that closed with Antony’s shot being spilled by Lloris for a corner. From this Fred’s shot warmed the fingers of the Spurs captain. Moments later, Antony cut on to his left foot and went close to curling in the opener.

The early action was all via rapid switches in possession and territory, hardly a surprise as here was a contest pitting a counterattacking unit by default against one by design. United were the former due to Ten Hag’s side being a (sizeable) work in progress while Tottenham, under Antonio Conte’s tutelage, were the proponents of quick breaks by