Young Steals the Show

Ashley Young continued his recent goalscoring form since returning from injury to steer United to victory in a tough encounter at White Hart Lane.

But 3 points seemed far from likely with Tottenham bossing the whole of the first half. Spurs thought they'd broke the deadlock when ex-Red Louis Saha's shot was blocked by Emmanuel Adebayor on the line, before the Togolese striker tapped home. However, the goal was chalked off for handball, a let off for United who were being completely dominated, particularly in midfield.

However, to everyone's surprise, it was the Champions that opened the scoring, after a dangerous corner from Ashley Young found the head of Wayne Rooney, who returned to the side after 2 games out with a throat infection to send United into the lead on the stroke of half time.

After the break it was more of the same as the home side continued to control the game. Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw his free kick hit the crossbar, and Jake Livermore's deflected strike was miraculously stopped by in-form David De Gea, who produced more heroics to keep the North Londoners at bay.

The Reds then countered, with Phil Jones' throw splitting the Spurs defence, which gave Nani the space to play a ball across the 6-yard box searching for Young at the far post. Two deflections later, and the England international found the ball in his path, and brilliantly adjusted, volleying into the bottom corner for a surprise 2 goal advantage.

It only got better, as Young again found space, this time outside the box, before curling a sensational shot round the despairing dive of Brad Friedel, putting United in complete command. Jermaine Defoe scored a late consolation for arguably the better side on the day, but United clinical finishing saw them take the 3-1 result, with Ashley Young the star; 2 goals and an assist. His return may prove to be a crucial factor in the title charge.