Cristiano Ronaldo was the Red Devils’ hero with a hat-trick at Old Trafford.
That was in spite of a Harry Kane penalty and an own goal from Harry Maguire, both of which levelled the scores as Spurs were made to fight for the chance to stake a claim for fourth.
James Robson was at Old Trafford to rate the visiting players…
Hugo Lloris – 6
Not a lot he could do about any of Ronaldo’s goals. Let down by his defence.
Cristian Romero – 6
Got stuck in with some meaty challenges as he chased after United’s mobile attack – but part of a Spurs defence that looked susceptible on the break.
Eric Dier – 7
Unlucky not to find the back of the net when Diogo Dalot headed his effort off the line. Escaped conceding a penalty when Ronaldo’s shot struck his arm.
Ben Davies – 6
Struggled with United’s movement and caught out on occasion when his communication could have been better.
Matt Doherty – 6
Got up well in support of Kulusevski to help Spurs overload on that side. But could not stop Sancho’s influence.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 5
Taken out of the game far too easily in the build-up to Ronaldo’s goal when a flick from Fred left him stranded. That felt typical on a day when he was left chasing a lot of shadows.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 7
Snapped into tackles to force United to keep their distance from goal and create a platform for Spurs to attack.
Sergio Reguilon – 7
Sloppy in playing Sancho onside for United’s second goal – but made up for that with his run and cross, which forced Maguire to turn into his own net.
Dejan Kulusevski – 8
A performance full of menace, which United never got to grips with. It was his cross that led to Kane’s penalty and his runs stretched Telles to breaking point.
Heung-min Son – 7
Picked up dangerous areas and cut holes in United’s defence with his intelligent passing. Should have done better with one second-half chance.
Harry Kane – 6
Fired Spurs back into the game from the spot – but then cost them an almost certain goal when getting in the way of a Kulusevski chance. Much of his best work was deep.
Subs
Lucas Moura (Kulusevski, 78’) – 5
Could not match Kulusevski’s effect.
Steven Bergwijn – (Davies, 87’) – N/A
Harry Winks – (Bentancur, 87’) – N/A
Subs unused: Gollini, Rodon, Sanchez, Royal, White, Scarlett.