Tottenham Hotspur 0-3 Manchester United: Hits and flops as Red Devils make a timely return to winning ways

Manchester United halted a run of poor results in the Premier League with a crucial 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford got on the scoresheet as the Red Devils secured three important points.

After a cagey start to the game in which neither side looked particularly threatening, Manchester United finally took the lead in the 39th minute. Ronaldo’s perfectly-executed volley earned the Red Devils a hard-fought lead going into the half-time interval.

The second half went much the same way, with Manchester United’s clinical finishing proving to be the difference between the two sides. After Cavani extended United’s lead in the 64th minute, substitute Rashford sealed the win in the 86th.

With three points, Manchester United jumped up to fifth in the table, with Spurs further down in eighth place.

On that note, here are five hits and flops from the game.

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#1 Hit: Cristiano Ronaldo

Being paired up alongside Edinson Cavani seemed to breathe new life into Ronaldo, who seemed full of running in the game. He was rewarded for his improved work rate as he opened the scoring with a spectacular volley before setting Cavani up for the second.

United’s experienced front two gave the Spurs defense a lot of trouble with their intelligent movement, drawing defenders this way and that. Ronaldo seemed to hark back to his old Manchester United days at times as he occasionally popped up on the wing.

As such, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might well persist with playing two up top to continue getting the best out of Ronaldo this season.

#2 Flop: Harry Kane

Spurs’ star striker continues to struggle in front of goal in the league this season, drawing yet another blank. In fact, Spurs were unable to muster even a single shot on target in the entire game.

Despite regularly dropping deep to get on the ball, Kane had the fewest touches (33) of any outfield player to play 90 minutes. Furthermore, when Spurs did create attacking moves, Kane was often too far back to make anything of them. As such, getting a regular supply to Kane high up the pitch needs to be high on the Spurs agenda moving forward.

#3 Hit: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Regarded as one of the best defensive full-backs in the country, Wan-Bissaka flourished in his more advanced role in this game. The Englishman was given the freedom to bomb forward, an opportunity that he accepted with glee, showcasing a new side to his game.

While his final product still leaves little to be desired, Wan-Bissaka was a constant threat down United’s right flank. His tireless running, combined with some nifty footwork, saw him work some quite presentable opportunities during the course of the game.

At the other end, he was part of a solid United defense that did not allow Spurs a single shot on target.

Were he to grow accustomed to attacking with more regularity, Wan-Bissaka could add another dimension to United’s formidable attack.

#4 Flop: Oliver Skipp

It was an outing to forget for Oliver Skipp, who was completely overrun in the Spurs midfield. The youngster was largely anonymous during his time on the pitch, struggling to make any sort of impact in proceedings.

Skipp was beaten to the ball far too easily in the build-up to United’s second goal, an error that prompted his near-immediate substitution. He will be looking to put this performance behind him as quickly as he can.

#5 Hit: Bruno Fernandes

Since he made the switch to the Premier League, few players have had an impact like Fernandes has had at Manchester United. The Red Devils’ midfield talisman has been a regular supplier of goals as well as assists, and shone again in this game.

Covering an astonishing amount of ground during his time on the pitch, Fernandes contributed both offensively and defensively. Among the four chances (the most in the game) he created was Ronaldo’s opener. It was a delicately chipped cross that found its target perfectly. He also stole the ball from Skipp for United's second goal.

Recognizing his importance to the team, Solskjaer took Fernandes off in the 76th minute with Champions League football on the horizon.