Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction after Bruno Fernandes stunner
Fred and Fernandes scored in a dominant performance from the Red Devils
Manchester United produced arguably its most complete performance under Erik ten Hag by beating Tottenham 2-0 to move within a point of the Premier League’s top four on Wednesday.
Second-half goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes ensured victory in a game that saw Hugo Lloris pull off a string of fine saves to keep the score down.
United now sits one point behind fourth-place Chelsea and four off Tottenham, who have played a game more.
While victory prompted a rapturous response from the crowd — Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to steal the headlines when he walked off to the changing room before the final whistle blew.
The Portugal star was an unused substitute as United impressed without him.
Ten Hag is increasingly making his presence felt at Old Trafford, with standout wins against Liverpool and Premier League leader Arsenal already this season.
And Spurs became the latest big name to fall in front of United’s home fans, who were repeatedly out of their seats in response to some of the slickest football they’ve seen from their team under the new Dutch manager.
If not for Lloris, United would have held a sizeable lead by halftime, with the goalkeeper coming up with a host of impressive saves.
But he was finally beaten by Fred and Fernandes after the break after United’s dominance paid off.
Lloris was almost guilty of gifting United the lead after just six minutes when fumbling Antony’s long-range effort.
But he recovered to produce saves to deny Marcus Rashford, Fernandes and Luke Shaw before the break, while Antony saw another shot clip the outside of the post.
Harry Kane’s effort from a tight angle just before halftime was as close as Tottenham came to taking the lead.
Ten Hag has seen his team fail to make the most of chances in front of goal in recent weeks — most recently the goalless draw with Newcastle on Sunday.
But United was ahead at the start of the second half — even if it relied on a touch of fortune when Fred’s 47th-minute shot from outside the area was diverted past Lloris by the outstretched leg of Ben Davies.
As impressive as United’s performance was, Tottenham provided little in return.
Antonio Conte appeared helpless to coax his team into life as his players were repeatedly forced into errors and struggled to build attacks.
On one of the rare occasions Tottenham did look threatening, United punished the visitors with a rapid break to make it 2-0 after 69 minutes.
Kane had seen a close-range shot blocked by De Gea — and from there United pounced, quickly moving the ball into the Spurs penalty area.
When Fred’s effort was blocked, Fernandes was quick to send a first-time shot curling past Lloris.
Fernandes and Rashford both saw further chances blocked by Lloris as United went in search for more.
Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham
50 mins: Save! Almost a second for Man Utd as Lloris pushes a fizzing effort from Rashford wide of the target. Spurs then sweep to the other side of the pitch and Kane wins a corner when his effort is blocked behind.
Perisic’s delivery is won in the air by Varane who confidently heads it clear.
GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham (Fred, 47’)⚽️
47 mins: There’s the opener! Manchester United come down the right side with Bruno Fernandes carrying the ball into the penalty area. He squares it over to Jadon Sancho who lays the ball back out to Fred.
Fred runs onto it and side foots a first time effort at goal. This one is on target but Ben Davies sticks out a leg in an attempt to make the block but only deflects the shot to Hugo Lloris’ right and it finishes in the back of the net!
Second half: Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
Kick off: Bruno Fernandes restarts the match at Old Trafford with Manchester United searching for a way past this steadfast Tottenham defence.
No changes from either team at the break.
HT Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
Manchester United had 19 shots in that first half with five on target. That is the most the team has created in one half of a game since Erik ten Hag took over as manager.
HT Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
Goalless at half-time at Old Trafford. Which team will go on to score first?
Half-time: Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
45+2 mins: Nothing to separate the teams as they head into the tunnel for half-time. Manchester United have been the better side creating more chances and having more possession.
It’s been an entertaining first half but the result still hangs in the balance. Neither manager will be too disappointed with those opening 45 minutes.
Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
45 mins: Chance! Tottenham burst forward on the counter-attack and send Harry Kane into the right side of the box. He shoots and forces a save out of David De Gea at the near post.
The ball comes back to Kane and his second effort hits Dalot in the face and he needs come treatment too. Two minutes of added time to play.
Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
42 mins: Tottenham have done well to keep Man Utd at bay but they haven’t offered anything in the final third. United have bossed this game but they’re lacking ruthlessness in front of goal.
Goalless at half-time will be a great result for the visitors.
Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
39 mins: Ouch! Eric Dier stands tall on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area and blocks a shot with his chin. He takes the ball right in the face and needs a check up from the medical staff.
The defender will be fine to play on.
Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
36 mins: Lisandro Martinez wins the ball back for United high up the pitch and gives it to Sancho who feeds Fred into the box. Fred sends a pass into the six-yard box and hesitation from Lloris to claim the ball almost gives Antony enough time to turn it home.
Spurs eventually scoop it clear.
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