Manchester United Destroy Spurs at Old Trafford
After being eliminated from the FA Cup and practically with no chance of winning any silverware this season, Manchester United has one priority and that is finishing in the top four of the Premiership.
United’s first half against Tottenham was probably the best first half they have played in the Louis Van Gaal era. They went up early in the ninth minute, following a perfect through ball by Michael Carrick to Marouane Fellaini. The Belgian finished with a superb left foot shot in the bottom right corner. Spurs goalie Hugo Lloris should have had questions asked about his footwork and narrowing the angle, as it appeared that he got caught flat-footed on the shot.
Ten minutes later Juan Mata, starting in place of the suspended Angel Di Maria, took a corner kick that was headed on by Fellaini. The ball came out to Michael Carrick, who placed a header that dropped past Lloris’ outstretched arms and inside the far post.
Within fifteen minutes, United were running rampant, and scored a third goal. In the 34th minute Nabil Bentaleb gave the ball away to Wayne Rooney, who took it right up the middle at Spurs’ centerbacks. Eric Dier was beaten easily by Rooney, who slotted the ball home past Lloris’ right hand.
The second half was saw United sit back with the comfortable lead, and when the final whistle blew, they had picked up three points at home. They now sit 4th, just two points behind Manchester City in second and one point behind Arsenal in third. Tottenham dropped from 6th to 7th place after Southampton was able to gain a point this weekend.
Coming up next, Manchester United will visit Anfield to renew the traditional northwest rivalry with Liverpool , while Spurs will play host to Leicester City.
Photo Credit: Ian Hodgson
