The talking points from Manchester United’s clinical 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got his tactics right on a huge evening for the Red Devils.

Manchester United returned to winning ways on Saturday as they comfortably beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in North London.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and substitute Marcus Rashford gave United their first Premier League win in four matches.

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After a week in which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s position was under the spotlight, it was a huge win for the Norwegian, and we’ve picked out some of the biggest talking points from the game.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Credit: Getty.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Credit: Getty.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Credit: Getty.

Tactical change pays off

As the teams were announced, it became clear United would line up with a flat back three with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on both flanks. Cavani and Ronaldo also started together for the first time and combined for the Red Devils’ second goal.

Ronaldo had more of an impact on the game with a goal and assist, but this performance from Cavani gives United something different going forward.

It’s an indication of just how straightforward this games was for United that Ronaldo could be substituted for Rashford with 20 minutes remaining.

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This wasn’t a performance in which United played Spurs off the park, but instead it was a game where each chance was taken and they perfectly executed a counter-attacking system.

It was a much-needed win for United. Credit: Getty.It was a much-needed win for United. Credit: Getty.
It was a much-needed win for United. Credit: Getty.

Cavani and Varane make United go back to basics

The two changes made on Saturday were the inclusion of Cavani and the return of Raphael Varane.

Much was said about the performance of Harry Maguire against Spurs, but the defence looked more assured with the Frenchman at the back today. It’s thee experience from Varane that perhaps brought the best out of his team-mates.

Up front, Cavani staked his claim for a regular starting berth after a tough start to 2021/22.

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Both him and Ronaldo are in the twilight years of their career and it remains to be seen whether this is an option Solskjaer can use in every game.

It was captain’s performance from Maguire. Credit: Getty.It was captain’s performance from Maguire. Credit: Getty.
It was captain’s performance from Maguire. Credit: Getty.

Discontent at Tottenham

It may not be perfect at United right now, but Spurs are another team with question marks surrounding their manager’s future.

Lucas Moura, who had scored their winner in midweek, was subbed off for Steven Bergwijn in the second half and that decision was met by a loud boo from the home faithful.

The Spurs fans then chanted: “You don’t know what you’re doing,” in the direction of manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

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But there are genuine reasons to be concerned if you’re a Spurs fan, given the lack of attacking action, and they failed to register a shot on target against the Red Devils.

Fans are backing Solskjaer

Meanwhile, in the away end, United fans were passionately singing: “Ole’s at the Wheel,” perhaps showing their take on the manager’s future.

At the full-time whistle, he went over to the away end and began to sign autographs, as well as posing for photographs.

Even after the darkest hour of his managerial career, Solskjaer still hasn’t fully lost the belief of the club’s die-hard fans, which may prove significant when it comes to any boardroom discussions in the coming weeks.