Played
August 22, 2011 3:00 PM EDT
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee: L. Probert
Attendance: 75498
August 22, 2011 3:00 PM EDT
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee: L. Probert
Attendance: 75498
Comments 
Player Ratings: Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
David de Gea
302
170
The Spaniard was selected despite high profile errors in the previous two games, but improved in front of his home crowd. Still a number of nervy moments under crosses and handling long-range shots.
Chris Smalling
291
37
Tasked with the challenge of marking Bale out of the game and coped well. Caught out on a couple of occasions but was strong, powerful and read the game well.
Phil Jones
401
17
Showed why United paid all that money for him with a composed display and was dominant in the air over Defoe.
Patrice Evra
219
81
The Frenchman seems to struggle against Lennon and was below his best here. Beaten for pace by the Spurs winger on a few occasions but offered good support in attack.
Jonny Evans
334
33
Assured performance from the United defender, slotting in effortlessly and reading the game well to stop Spurs getting in behind.
Tom Cleverley
376
20
Struggled to get into the game until he produced a brilliant whipped cross for Welbeck to break the deadlock. Replaced by Giggs nine minutes from time.
Ashley Young
327
19
The one-time Tottenham target was often involved in many of United's best attacking moves as he drove towards the box with pace and skill. Looping first-half header drifted just wide of the post.
Anderson
351
20
Set the high tempo for the United midfield with his harrying, hassling and quick use of the ball. Scored a lovely goal after good link-up play with Welbeck.
Nani
260
59
The Portuguese winger enjoys playing against Tottenham and his quick feet were always a threat to the visitors' defense. Always offered an option and stretched the play - but struggled to get the better of Assou-Ekotto.
Wayne Rooney
398
28
Had difficulty finding space in the first-half but dropped a little deeper after the break to collect the ball and began to pull the strings. Tested Friedel on a number of occasions from around the edge of the penalty area and was finally rewarded as he headed home a late third.
Danny Welbeck
Top of the Match436
37
Opened his account for the season with a classic striker's goal in the 61st minute - a glancing header after he drifted between Tottenham's two center-backs. Added an assist to his night's work with a cheeky backheel to Anderson for United's second goal.
• Substitutions
Ji-Sung Park
198
28
Offered fresh legs after replacing Young in the 81st minute.
Ryan Giggs
256
23
Replaced Cleverley in the 81st minute and provided an inch-perfect cross for Rooney to head home United's third of the night.
Chicharito
245
33
Surprisingly named on the bench two weeks earlier than scheduled and looked sharp when given a late run-out as an 81st minute substitute.
Brad Friedel
179
30
A brilliant Spurs debut for the American as he made a number of athletic diving stops, defying his age and keeping his team in the game. Could do nothing about Welbeck's goal.
Kyle Walker
Flop of the Match37
67
Handed a starting role ahead of Corluka but was caught out positionally on too many occasions. Substituted at halftime due to illness.
Michael Dawson
24
58
As ever, gave his all and won some thumping challengers - but he was caught under the ball for Welbeck's goal and looked flat-footed on a number of occasions.
Younes Kaboul
46
45
Very impressive athleticism and anticipation at times to sweep up danger, although he was caught ball-watching several times.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto
25
49
Solid display to nullify Nani but ruined it with a sloppy pass that gifted United the ball ahead of its first goal.
Gareth Bale
42
53
The Welsh flyer looked sharp in the first-half and troubled United with his blistering pace. Faded after the break as Spurs tired and United took control of the game.
Aaron Lennon
27
56
Clearly had the weaponry to trouble Evra with his searing pace but the quality of his final ball was poor. Head seemed to drop after United's opener.
Jake Livermore
23
55
A big physical presence, the youngster broke up play well in the first-half but lacked quality on the ball and was badly overrun in the second-half. Replaced by Huddlestone in the 74th minute.
Niko Kranjcar
39
51
The Croat's neat and tidy passing helped Spurs control spells of possession in the first-half but became very leggy and abdicated defensive responsibility.
Rafael Van der Vaart
56
68
The Dutchman was Tottenham's most dangerous attacking threat throughout. Picked the ball up in space ad looked to shoot or play a killer pass at every opportunity. Hampered by the lack of movement in front of him.
Jermain Defoe
25
66
The England striker flitted in and out of the game and offered little movement for his teammates. Powerful strike in the second-half smashed against the post.
• Substitutions
Vedran Corluka
48
40
Half-time replacement for Walker and coped well against Young, getting tight to the United winger and denying him space.
Tom Huddlestone
20
51
Replaced Livermore in the 74th minute but had little effect despite stroking some nice passes.
Roman Pavlyuchenko
24
51
Replaced Kranjcar 16 minutes from time but had no impact on proceedings.
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