Premier League: Manchester United edge past lackluster Tottenham Hotspur

It took just six minutes for the hosts to put themselves ahead as a fierce strike from Marcus Rashford, right from the box, put the ball into the left bottom corner of the net.

Notably, six minutes later, star striker Harry Kane shot a direct free-kick just high over the bar, while Rashford's 18th-minute free-kick also went wide.

The second quarter turned out to be an eventful one, with as many as eight attempts.

While six of them were from United, Serge Aurier's 39th-minute strike for Spurs saw a good save by David de Gea, only for Dele Alli to score the equalizer in the same minute.

The acrobatic goal from Alli was checked by VAR for hand-ball, but the goal stood.

Following the half-time, United were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute, as Rashford comfortably converted it into a goal.

The 52nd and 54th minute saw Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane attempting shots, from inside and outside the box respectively, only for the United defense to stand tall.

Meanwhile, 62nd-minute by Daniel James strike was saved by Paulo Gazzaniga.

The final quarter saw United maintain their composure as they switched to defensive tactics in order to maintain the lead.

While another strike by James was denied by Gazzaniga, Serge Aurier's 83rd-minute was saved as well.

Spurs tried to put up pressure, but it was too late as the United defense was rock solid to allow any further slip-up.

Following are some key stats from the match:

- Tottenham have suffered the most EPL defeats (35) against United than against any other side.

- For the first time since March 2017, Alli has scored in three consecutive appearances, across competitions.

- In his last 10 appearances at Old Trafford, Rashford has scored in six of them, netting seven goals.

With this win, United rise to the sixth spot in the table, while Spurs drop down to eighth.

As for their next venture, United would travel within the city next Saturday to indulge themselves in the biggest derby of all, against Manchester City, while Spurs would entertain Burnley on the same day.