Three things Ten Hag got right as Man Utd blow Tottenham away at Old Trafford

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    Manchester United looked to be back to their brilliant best on Wednesday evening as it was men against boys at Old Trafford.

    Tottenham could barely lay a glove on Erik ten Hag's side – who deserved a more handsome scoreline that the one the game produced. The Red Devils opened the scoring through Fred, who saw his shot deflected past Hugo Lloris.

    Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead late in the half with a sublime finish that secured the three points. And Daily Star Sport is looking at three things that Ten Hag got right on Wednesday evening.

    Starting Marcus Rashford over Cristiano Ronaldo

    It's not a surprise at this point that Ten Hag prefers to deploy Marcus Rashford over Cristiano Ronaldo – but the Englishman showed exactly why on Wednesday evening.

    Rashford led the line excellently for United in the opening period as Tottenham found themselves under more and more pressure. As well as receiving the ball comfortably at his feet, Rashford was also a threat in behind for the Red Devils.

    Ten Hag has done well not to buckle the pressure of starting the megastar despite his poor form in front of goal when given a chance.

    What did you think of Manchester United's performance? Let us know in the comments section

    Keeping the same core group of players

    There was only one change in the starting side for the Red Devils from their draw with Newcastle over the weekend: Rashford for Ronaldo.

    Keeping the same group of players week-in and week-out has allowed the side to play Ten Hag's style of football with such ease. United look a transformed side from the team that was torn apart by Brighton and Brentford in the opening two weeks.

    United looked the best they have in years as they pressed and knocked the ball around Spurs' sound defensive unit with apparent ease.

    Handing Bruno Fernandes the freedom of Old Trafford

    When Bruno Fernandes curled the ball past Hugo Lloris to put United 2-0, Alan Shearer – who was on commentary for Amazon Prime – joked he looks happier without Ronaldo.

    Fernandes was the creator-in-chief for United on Wednesday evening – and every attack went through the Portuguese star. However, it was just going forward he excelled: Fernandes worked hard on the defensive side of the game too.

    His second-half strike capped off a perfect performance for the Red Devils.

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    • Premier League
    • Manchester United FC
    • Erik ten Hag

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