Premier League legend identifies two key reasons why Man Utd beat Tottenham

Alan Shearer has praised Manchester United’s work-rate and balance after they claimed a 2-0 home win against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils went into the game on the back of an underwhelming draw against Newcastle United but looked livelier throughout the opening 45 minutes against Antonio Conte’s side.  Despite creating chances to opening the scoring, the deadlock remained in place at half-time - but that all changed two minutes into the second half when a deflected effort from Fred beat Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris.

The game was effectively wrapped up with just over 20 minutes remaining when a much-improved performance from Bruno Fernandes was rewarded as the Portugal international grabbed United’s second goal of the game and took them to within one point of the Champions League places, after fourth-placed Chelsea could only manage a goalless draw in their visit to Brentford.

Speaking after the game, former England captain Shearer revealed what had impressed him about the display from Erik ten Hag’s men and admitted it was always a case of ‘how many’ once Fred had opened the scoring.

He told Amazon Prime: “I thought there was a superb balance from Manchester United all over the park, whether they were defending as a team, whether they were having protection from midfield in front of that back four, or whether they were going forward in the press.  There was energy all over the park from start to finish and they were roared on from the crowd and they didn’t disappoint.

“They went after Tottenham, they should have been in front before half-time and we said what were the going to change.  They didn’t have to change much, the only change was putting the ball in the back of the net, which is of course is the hardest thing.

“They got that goal and then it was a case of how many.  There wasn’t any reaction at all, they weren’t allowed any reaction (Tottenham) because Manchester United were compact and tight and didn’t give them anything.”

United are back in action on Saturday evening when they travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.