Manchester United vs. Tottenham: Player Ratings from the Red Devils' 3-1 Win

It was more than a victory for Manchester United. It was a smashing win, three points in the league table and a crushing blow to Tottenham's title hopes.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men looked more like they were out on the training pitch than visiting White Hart Lane and taking on the third-best team in the Premier League, following up Tottenham's 5-2 loss to Arsenal with another multi-goal defeat.

In what was a game that Manchester United dominated far more than some boldly predicted, Wayne Rooney opened the scoring in the 45th minute with a fine-headed goal in a crowded penalty area. And the second half was all too easy for the Red Devils, as Ashley Young scored his third and fourth goals of the season in the 60th and 69th minutes, respectively.

The only thing that kept Tottenham from walking away scoreless was a Jermain Defoe score in the 87th minute.

As a team, Manchester United was patient and took complete advantage of the scoring opportunities they strung together. Individually, check out how all the players rated—let me know if you agree.

Goalkeeper

If not for a last-minute score by Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, the former La Liga star would have earned the clean sheet.

David De Gea played up to the quality that Manchester United had in mind when they brought the 21-year-old to Old Trafford, making several quality saves that showed off his athleticism as well as his positional awareness. The save on Jake Livermore's shot in the second half was particularly worthy of the highlight reel.

Rating: 7.0

Defenders

Phil Jones

Man U got physical play from the youngster, as he showed energy running up and down the right sideline as well as discipline; Jones mostly stayed in his half of the field. He had great awareness most of the game, except when he was caught out of position once—he got an earful from Ferdinand about it.

Rating: 6.5

Jonathan Evans

Evans played well in the center of the defense, staying true to his position as right centre-back. When Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha are completely negated, you've done a decent night's work.

Rating: 8.0

Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand played in a bigger zone than his centre-back partner, Evans, but still Ferdinand helped keep Tottenham's forwards at bay. Great display tonight.

Rating: 7.5

Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra played with incredible energy and intelligence, and supported the attack well. He had a little trouble with Aaron Lennon, but Evra kept pace with the Tottenham winger and improved throughout the night.

Rating: 6.5

Midfielders

Nani

Nani was lost in the midfield for most of the game, as he contributed almost nothing to Manchester United on the right flank. He got better as the night went on, but Nani had very little to do with the Red Devils' win.

Rating: 5.5

Michael Carrick

Carrick did a great job leading the midfield. Staying true and disciplined in holding the midfielder position, Carrick displayed great intelligence and awareness of both teams' players.

Rating: 7.0

Paul Scholes

There were not a lot of bells and whistles from the 37-year-old, but he helped keep his team composed for the hour he was out on the pitch.

Rating: 6.5

Ashley Young

What more can you say about Manchester United's man of the match?

Young has played more the role of supporter this season, but he showed he can get the ball in the back of the net, as he scored his third and fourth goals of the season in the 60th and 69th minutes, respectively. Great energy from the oft-used midfielder.

Rating: 8.5

Ryan Giggs

Giggs played very well in Scholes' place for the last 30 minutes of the match, helping to keep Tottenham at bay while supporting the defensive back line.

Rating: 6.5

Park Ji-Sung

Ji-Sung came on as a substitute for the ineffective Nani late in the game and helped Manchester United keep its pace.

Rating: 6.5

Forwards

Wayne Rooney

Rooney had a great header to open the scoring for Manchester United and close out the first half. He wasn't particularly involved on the day since he stayed outside the penalty box for all but a few minutes, but Rooney made his moments of importance count.

Rating: 7.5

Danny Welbeck

Welbeck was all over the field for the Red Devils and supported the midfielders well. There were no real mistakes for the young English international who had a strong, confident showing at the usually hostile White Hart Lane.

Rating: 7.0