Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham Premier League match report: Martial wins it for Mourinho
A goal from substitute Anthony Martial was needed to separate the game at Old Trafford between two sides with eyes on a Premier League title.Barcelona-Getafe live: LaLiga Santander matchweek 23
Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham: match report
Substitute Anthony Martial's 81st minute strike gave Manchester United a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday to keep them in touch with Premier League leaders Manchester City.
After last week's surprise defeat at Huddersfield Town, Jose Mourinho's team could ill afford another slip-up but they found it hard to break down a resilient Spurs defence.
Tottenham, without their top scorer Harry Kane who was ruled out with a hamstring injury, could have gone in front themselves in the 76th minute when Christian Eriksen threaded a superb ball towards Dele Alli but the England midfielder's effort went the wrong side of the post.
After Romelu Lukaku headed a Jesse Lingard cross against the post, United finally broke through and it was in direct fashion. A long ball from keeper David De Gea was flicked on by Lukaku into the path of the on-running Martial and the Frenchman confidently slotted past Hugo Lloris.
United move on to 23 points, two behind leaders City who are at West Bromwich Albion later on Saturday, while third-placed Spurs are on 20.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham: as it happened
Manchester United vs Tottenham: Premier League preview
In what could and should be a defining weekend at the top of the Premier League, Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur as Jose Mourinho tries to recalibrate his side's season after a run of mediocre results and tepid performances.
(Find out how and where to watch Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur)
Old Trafford is the venue as second plays third at 13:30 CEST with the rest of those vying for a place in the top six and for top spot looking on to see how Mourinho and Pochettino approach the game. Neither team can go top with a win but three points would set down the proverbial marker in the race for the title.
Manchester United
Everything seemed to be going fine for Jose Mourinho and Manchester United. Seven games into the Premier League season. Six wins, one draw, 21 goals scored and just one conceded. That was before a trip to Liverpool when Mourinho's side seemed to retreat into themselves and failed to play that swash-buckling side that made it look like they might be ready to challenge for titles again.
Since then, a loss to Huddersfield and a win over Benfica thanks to a howler by the teenage goalkeeper has sent United's season out of whack.
Marcus Rashford took part in training on Friday, as did Phil Jones and Eric Bailly after Mourinho said the latter could be ready to return this week. Jones came off against Huddersfield and will be assessed before the Spurs test. Ander Herrera is suffering from an ankle problem and will also be assessed before the game.
Meanwhile, Paul Pogba, Marouanne Fellaini and Marcos Rojo remain United's longer term problems and have been ruled out along with Michael Carrick.
Tottenham Hotspur
Mauricio Pochettino admitted his team got brought back down to earth with a 3-2 loss against struggling West Ham in the Carabao Cup. He was dealt a further blow in the lead-up to the United game when Harry Kane was ruled out with a hamstring strain.
Pochettino said, "We cannot take a risk for tomorrow, we'll see after for Wednesday. But tomorrow, it is impossible." Meanwhile, Victor Wanyama and Erik Lamela have also been ruled out of what is a relatively healthy Spurs squad.
The loss of Kane, however, could be crucial. Pochettino showed off his tactical flexibility by playing Kane and Llorente against Real Madrid before bringing Heung Min Son in for the Spaniard against Liverpool in a game they won with ease. He will possible be forced to match Llorente with Son together now as Spurs get a look at life without Kane.
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur live stream online: betting odds
Check out all the odds and bet on Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur. with Harry Kane out, Fernando Llorente is the most likely to land a goal first for Spurs but you can get him at 11/2 to open the scoring.