Manchester United came from behind once again to win 3-1 at Tottenham and dent the hosts’ top-four hopes with just seven Premier League games left.
Edinson Cavani had a goal controversially disallowed on 33 minutes after VAR spotted a flailing arm from Scott McTominay on Heung-Min Son in the build-up, a decision described as “embarrassing and ridiculous” by pundits at half-time, while the South Korea forward himself put Spurs ahead before the break with a far-post finish from Lucas Moura’s centre.
United levelled early in the second half as Fred converted a few yards out after Cavani’s shot had been parried by Hugo Lloris into the Brazilian’s path.
Cavani finally got the goal his superb movement and constant menace deserved with 11 minutes left when he launched himself to head beyond Lloris from substitute Mason Greenwood’s cross.
Greenwood completed the formalities with virtually the last kick of the game as he provided a finish that was too powerful for Lloris at his near post.
Manchester United ended the first half feeling as if the world was against them, wounded by the decision to rule out Cavani’s goal and then hit by Son’s opener.
And yet, as they have done so often this season, they bounced back from going behind to win and did so in very satisfying fashion for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Keeper Dean Henderson, now seemingly first choice ahead of David de Gea, made a couple of saves with his legs and Cavani was fortunate when a header bounced off his own post but United were by far the better team and had plenty of chances of their own at the other end.
The Uruguayan may be 34 and surrounded by speculation that he could leave Old Trafford at the end of the season but the timeless instincts of the great striker remains. He was a permanent threat, fully meriting the goal that gave United the lead.
Pogba and Fred were also outstanding contributors in the midfield for United, who have now opened up a seven-point gap between themselves and Leicester City, who lost at West Ham United, in third.
