Bruno Fernandes broke a five-game scoring drought as Manchester United claimed a statement win over title challengers Tottenham, as they put in arguably the best performance of Erik ten Hag's reign so far.
The Red Devils were utterly dominant in the Premier League clash, having 19 shots in the first-half alone. While they struggled to create clear-cut chances before the break, a deflected effort from Fred put them ahead just two minutes into the second period.
Fernandes added his own goal with 20 minutes to go, curling in from the edge of the box as Tottenham's struggles showed no signs of abating. Here, Mirror Football looks at five talking points from what was a statement win for United.
Ronaldo decision pays off
The headline news from Manchester United's starting line-up was Ten Hag's decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo. The attacker scored a hat-trick in this fixture last season, but has endured a difficult campaign so far, nothing just two goals.
Following another game without a goal against Newcastle on Sunday, he was dropped to the bench in favour of Marcus Rashford. The Englishman spurned one glorious first-half chance when he shot low into Hugo Lloris.
The decision to start Rashford over Ronaldo on the whole did pay off, with United looking far stronger without him. Though clear-cut chances were at a premium, the work of Rashford up-front allowed United to get on top of their visitors.
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Ten Hag's style becoming clear
Nearly three months into the new season, Erik ten Hag's style of play is now becoming clear. This was arguably the best United have played all season, as they were by far the best team during the first-half.
They dominated the ball, with much of the game played in the Tottenham half. They had 19 shots in total before the break, though only five of these were on target, and deservedly scored two goals in the second period.
The pressing game that Ten Hag became known for at Ajax was also on display at Old Trafford, with United playing high up the pitch. That led to them forcing Spurs into several mistakes on the ball, from which they were able to take control.
Conte change misses the mark
Tottenham have become synonymous with a 3-4-3 formation since Antonio Conte replaced Nuno Espirito Santo last season. But for Wednesday's trip to Old Trafford, the Italian opted for a slight change to pack the midfield in a 3-5-2.
Despite bringing in an extra central midfielder to his team though, Spurs struggled to gain control of the game. Much of their issues came down to United finding passes through the midfield line as Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Pierre-Emile Hojberg were cut open.
As well as spending much of the game within their own half, Spurs struggled to create any clear-cut chances. Strikers Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son were starved of service, with Conte's switch of formation backfiring.
Kane kept quiet
The basis of Tottenham's counter-attacking style is the attacking talent they receive from captain Harry Kane. But the Englishman was kept quiet by United's well-marshaled defence, led by centre-back pairing Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
Kane had just three shots in total, with a combined expected goals ratio of a pitiful 0.27, and only one of those being on target. In fairness to the Spurs keeper he was painfully starved of service, with Spurs failing to create any big chances.
Much of that was down to United's defending though, with Martinez in particular excellent up against the England international. He made five recoveries, six clearances and won four of his five aerial duels in another impressive display.
Dalot puts transfer talk behind him
Heading into Wednesday's game, Diogo Dalot has been the subject of reports linking him with a move to Barcelona. Dalot has made the right-back spot his own under Ten Hag, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka ruled out through injury.
This was arguably one of the best displays yet from the Portuguese defender, who kept Ivan Perisic on a tight leash throughout United's win. Dalot also supported Antony well in attack and was singled out by commentator Alan Shearer as one of the Red Devils' best performers.
His display should serve as a shot across the bow for Wan-Bissaka who is not thought to be far away from returning. And it will also help Dalot to show to United fans that his focus remains firmly on the Red Devils.
