Manchester United might be at the start of a new era after Erik ten Hag statement vs Tottenham

It was a roar that rolled down from the highest points at Old Trafford and echoed around the stadium, the kind of noise befitting a top-six shootout in the Premier League under the floodlights.

It was the kind of sound that hasn't been heard enough in recent seasons, with fans disillusioned by the team in front of them, but this felt like the seal of approval for what Erik ten Hag wants to do with Manchester United. Even the sight of Cristiano Ronaldo taking his leave early couldn't overshadow a team performance that came without their biggest individual.

After 13 games when conclusions have been hard to draw, this felt the kind of night that can give lift-off to a new era. United's destruction of Tottenham was total in every aspect, maybe apart from the scoreline, which undoubtedly flattered Antonio Conte's team.

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This was the best performance under Ten Hag by some distance, far eclipsing the Old Trafford wins against Liverpool and Arsenal that required plenty of grit and backs-to-the-wall defending.

There was hardly any of that on this occasion. Lisandro Martinez was magnificent against Harry Kane, but United were simply better than Spurs in every single department. And better by a long, long way.

United were dominant from the first whistle, Antony alone taking three shots in the first 10 minutes, but as the first half wore on their control became more complete.

Aside from the occasional Tottenham counter, United had the opposition pinned in. Some of their football was excellent, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw both contributing superbly from full-back.

But it was the intensity that most caught the eye. United won the ball back high up the pitch time and