With the world’s gaze on a crucial Manchester United clash with Tottenham, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer changed tactics when deploying a back three. The extra defensive-minded body on the pitch yielded immediate dividends, with United looking a more solid unit than the one that were humbled against Liverpool.
A cagey first half saw both teams struggling to make an impact going forward until Cristiano Ronaldo produced a moment of magic.
Bruno Fernandes fed his Portuguese teammate after Ronaldo drifted into a yard of space off the back of Ben Davies. The pass was perfectly weighted to be hit first time and Ronaldo did not disappoint, smashing the ball beyond Hugo Lloris to make it 1-0.
Just as Spurs began to find their feet in the final third, United bagged a pressure-easing second through Edinson Cavani and then a third through Marcus Rashford.
The recalled Uruguayan ran his blood to water and earned a stellar rating, but even he had to play second fiddle to our man of the match…
RATINGS

David de Gea: Not called into action in the first half as Spurs continued to lack potency and cutting edge in the final third. Remained untested after the break. 6/10
Victor Lindelof: Adapted well to the change to a back three. 7/10
Raphael Varane: Brave when prepared to step out of the back three and engage onrushing attackers. Became increasingly vocal in the second half with his vast experience serving him well. 8/10

Harry Maguire: Snapped into tackles early as he sought to put last week’s nightmare in the rear-view mirror. Unfortunate to be booked for a challenge on Lo Celso when it appeared Varane’s tackle had the greater effect. 7/10
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Tasked with upping his attacking output when deployed as a wingback and began brightly with a series of directs runs. Never shirked his defensive duties and showed great pace to get back at Son when through on goal before the offside flag went up. 8/10
Scott McTominay: Battled hard in the middle and looks the one central midfielder on the books with the brightest future. 7/10

Fred: Always willing to show for the ball and helped United settle their nerves in the early going. Forced Lloris into action with a devilish swerving drive from distance. Lucky his side weren’t punished when dispossessed in a dangerous area by Romero, but Lo Celso’s through ball to Son was poor. 6/10

Luke Shaw: Booked for a cynical rugby-style tackle on Lucas Moura after dispossessed cheaply by Romero. 7/10
Bruno Fernandes: Always a threat on the counter and could’ve bagged an assist when crossing to Cavani. Showed tenacity to rob Skipp of possession to kick off the move for Cavani’s goal. 8/10
Edinson Cavani: Glanced a header agonisingly wide in a chance his reaction suggested he should have buried. Kept his composure when set free by Ronaldo with a lovely dinked finish over Lloris in the second half. Replaced by Lingard with 10 minutes remaining after running his blood to water. 8/10
Cristiano Ronaldo: Quiet until bursting into life in the 39th minute when volleying Fernandes’ chipped through ball beyond Lloris. The Portuguese icon displayed terrific movement to drift off the back of Davies and the first-time finish was one few in world football would’ve been able to match. 
Excellent link-up play with Fernandes and Cavani in the build-up to United’s second. Quick feet dismissed one defender before slipping in Cavani who completed the move with consummate ease. Given a breather with 20 minutes remaining with more heroics needed against Atalanta midweek and Manchester City next weekend. 9/10 (Man of the match)

Substitutes: 
Marcus Rashford (On for Ronaldo, 71m): Took his chance superbly when timing his run superbly for United’s third. 7/10
Nemanja Matic (On for Fernandes, 76m): Provided the assist for Rashford’s goal. 6/10
Jesse Lingard (On for Cavani, 82m): N/A