Ashley Young struck twice as Manchester United swept to a 3-1 victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday to close the gap on Premier League leader Manchester City to two points.
Rooney strikes
Wayne Rooney gave Sir Alex Ferguson's side the lead against the run of play 30 seconds before the break and Young made it two in the 60th minute after Spurs had once again dominated the start of the second period.
When the England winger added an excellent second in the 69th minute, the home side's spirit was finally broken.
An 87th minute reply by Jermain Defoe offered precious little consolation for the home side.
Perfect response
Victory over Harry Redknapp's third-placed side was the perfect response by United to City's win against Bolton the previous day and served as a powerful statement of intent in the title race.
But for Spurs, who have not beaten United since 2001, there was more disappointment after last weekend's 5-2 defeat in the north London derby at Arsenal and they now sit just four points ahead of Wenger's side.
The manner of defeat at the Emirates Stadium — Tottenham capitulated after taking a two-goal lead — raised questions about its ability to last the course in the battle for the third spot.
The results:
Fulham 5 (Pogrebnyak 36, 44, 61, Dempsey 56, 83) bt Wolves 0.
Newcastle 1 (Ameobi 90) drew with Sunderland 1 (Bendtner 24-pen).
Tottenham 1 (Defoe 87) lost to Manchester United 3 (Rooney 45, Young 60, 69).
