Manchester United: Player Ratings from 3-0 EPL Victory over Tottenham Hotspur

In the end, the victory was as consummate as it was typical, as Tottenham never really threatened to truly reverse a trend that has left them without a win at Old Trafford in the Premiership era.

In a lively first half, Tottenham gave as good as they got, but it was patently obvious that, given a few choice words at the interval, there were a couple of gears United were yet to be exploited. And so it proved.

The match was an enticing signal to the casual observer that this young team can dominate both in the short and long term. A side whose—until the introduction of the ageless Ryan Giggs on the 80-minute mark, for his 2011/12 bow—oldest player was 30 (Patrice Evra) exhibited a performance that belied its relative inexperience.

Sir Alex Ferguson has very obviously set out his stall this season, even at this early stage, with an emphasis on youth unparalleled in recent years.

So how did they do?

David De Gea: 7/10

Much of the prematch preamble revolved around the supposed deficiencies and lack of confidence of United’s No. 1.

Admittedly in the matches against West Brom and particularly City, de Gea’s teammates have had to save their keeper's blushes, after a number of errors. Yet in the furore over the keeper's performances, much has been blown out of all proportions. It had been two games, de Gea is only 20 and was being forced to quickly adapt to a new country amidst one of the most volatile atmospheres in world football. In other words, a situation conducive to a number of teething problems.

Against Tottenham, de Gea had little of any magnitude to counteract, but it was in his simplicity that fans will derive satisfaction. He was solid, dependable, his handling was clean and confident and his distribution was excellent.

Better.

Chris Smalling: 8/10

In the last couple of games, Smalling has highlighted a facet that I for one never expected. After a series of highly competent performances in the centre at the tail of last year, few would have envisaged that a change of position would yield similar success. However, at right-back, if anything, early signs are that Smalling is even more proficient.

The right side facilitates Smalling’s propensity to indulge in attacking forays up the wing, and help in his side's counter-attacking play. His control and agility are excellent and yesterday his defending was of a calibre to nullify the effect of Gareth Bales' potent attacking play.

I think the right-side conundrum posed by the aging of Gary Neville finally has its answer.

Jonny Evans: 7/10

With each performance he has given in the infancy of this new season, Evans is banishing the nightmare of West Ham further into the dark of the abyss.

Alongside a partner four years his junior (some feat for a 23-year-old!), Evans looked calm and confident, making a number of crucial interceptions, both with boot and head.

In the short term, maybe Evans will see his United place usurped by the return of Ferdinand, and eventually Vidic, but in the long term he has shown enough to become a defensive regular of the future.

Phil Jones: 7/10

Jones’ body-on-the-line style has already sated the appetite of the Old Trafford faithful. With a maturity beyond his tender 19 years, Jones has effectively marshalled much of United’s defensive structure.

Yesterday he was at it again, making a number of crucial last-ditch diving interception, when failure would have presented Spurs with a clear goal-scoring chance.

Like Evans, upon the return from injury of the club’s defensive stalwarts, a position on the bench probably beckons for Jones, yet at only 19 he isn’t half a prospect.

Patrice Evra: 7/10

Much of the defensive onus was on Evra yesterday, as the father figure of a defence that, without him, had an average age of 21.

In his first league game of the new term, he once more attacked with the verve and panache that have come to define his Old Trafford tenure, whilst remaining resilient at the back.

At times I felt he looked a little shorn of pace, but seeing as this was his first trip out and that he was racing the Ferrari attached to Aaron Lennon’s feet, job well done.

Ashley Young: 8/10

Of the three buys Sir Alex indulged in this summer, it was the signing of Young that was most criticised. From the transfer fee to Young’s quality on the big stage, even the requirement to sign another winger at all were pondered. I have to admit, I did question the validity of signing Ashley Young when the central of midfield seemed a much more exacerbated flaw.

In the event, however, Young in the opening three games has been without a doubt United’s most potent attacking threat, along with the mercurial Rooney.

With the embarrassment of riches Ferguson now possesses on the flanks, if I was Antonio Valencia, I would be rather worried as to just how I would get back into the side.

Tom Cleverley: 7/10

Very unlucky not to post his first United goal in the first half, when only a sprawling dive from a 40-year-old Brad Friedel prevented the young man notching his inaugural United strike.

Overall, it was not Cleverley's best performance of the season as he was at times overrun by the makeshift Tottenham centre of Kranjcar and Livermore. However, he came much more into the game after the goal on the hour mark, and it is obvious that he has a bright future in the centre of United’s midfield.

Replaced with 10 minutes to go.

Anderson: 8/10

I don’t know where this Anderson has been hiding for the last few seasons but I like him.

The young Brazilian was highly effective against Spurs last night, breaking up the tempo in the midfield before making numerous attacking forays at the heart of the Tottenham defence. His vision and strength were also obvious as he provided a highly capable fulcrum upon which United were ultimately able to pivot to turn the tide in their favour.

Deserved his goal, and if he continues the level of performance he showed last night it won't be the last. Not by a long chalk.

Nani: 7/10

Although Nani’s crossing was a particular plus against Spurs, he was once more usurped by Young on the other flank.

It was a performance of great endeavour by Nani, as he put in a good shift for the team, but in terms of the fireworks the Portuguese is inclined to, well—they failed to light.

Regardless, however, Luis Nani has grown into a much more mature solid winger, and the histrionics that defined much of his early United career were again missing against Spurs.

It's only a matter of time before he adds to the two goals he posted against City.

Wayne Rooney: 8/10

Wayne Rooney really has started this season as he means to go on.

Hassling, switching, turning, running—the colour has returned to the pale canvas of the first few halves of last season.

A couple of brilliant passes, chief amongst them his masterful switch to Young in the first half that the winger headed just wide deserved more. With 10 to go, he got the just desserts his performance deserved with a goal from Giggs’ cross.

We won't mention his miss…

Danny Welbeck: 8/10

Probably would have been a 6/10 based on his performance in the first hour, but visibly grew in confidence following his goal, testament being the sumptuous back-heel he pulled off to lay Anderson’s goal on a plate for him.

The young man showed plenty of endeavour and pace, and with the increased number of games he will surely see this season, the confidence will come also.

Deservedly congratulated after he was replaced by Hernandez with 10 minutes to play.

Subs: Hernandez, Giggs and Park

Hernandez for Welbeck on 80 minutes: Didn’t really have time to influence the game but good to see that he has recovered from his concussion.

Park for Cleverley on 80 minutes: Shored up the side and made sure of the result. Will have his part to play this term.

Giggs for Young on 80 minutes: Great pass for Rooney to head in the third. Like Park, the 38-year-old will see a fair amount of action this season.