Five things learned as Manchester United defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Premier League

Manchester United ran out as 2-0 victors against Antonio Conte's Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.

Manchester United had a brilliant first half against Tottenham Hotspur and came close to scoring on multiple occasions, however at the break the two sides were at a deadlock.

Almost immediately in the second half, Fred opened the scoring through a deflected shot, with United picking up where they left off at half time.

Spurs continued to be fairly quiet, and come the 70th minute, a magical curling effort from Bruno Fernandes gave the Red Devils an ultimately victorious 2-0 lead.

#1 - Marcus Rashford is definitely preferred over Cristiano Ronaldo

Technically, this was learned before the game, but Erik ten Hag's comments on the starting line-up were a very clear sign as to his preferred striker options.

During the fixture, Ten Hag's set-up was very clearly built for a striker with Rashford's skill set over Ronaldo's, and it ran much more fluidly than when Ronaldo started against Newcastle.

Rashford's performance, despite not scoring, was one to applaud, with the striker testing Hugo Lloris time and time again.

#2 - Fred performance makes up for weekend

Many were not happy with Fred's performance against Newcastle United, and rightly so.

The Brazilian did now have a good match against the Gordie outfit, however in the first half against Tottenham, he was much sharper - especially in a progressive capacity.

And in the second half, it was Fred who opened the scoring. Granted, it was a deflection, however sometimes goals are a case of forcing your own luck, and Fred certainly did so.

He also had a hand in Fernandes' goal for United's second, firing the shot that bounced off Eric Dier's knee before

#3 - Antony and Diogo Dalot's understanding is improving

The obvious preferred right-hand side for Erik ten Hag as of now, the two players seem to be developing a better and better understanding as time goes on.

The chemistry the two seem to be creating is becoming an ever-increasing threat, with Dalot becoming more understanding of Antony's preference for his left foot.

#4 - The team are becoming a unit

So many times last season, the Manchester United side looked disjointed, uncommunicative, and lack lustre.

However, against Tottenham, it was the complete opposite. Players were fighting for each other, they were covering each other's errors, and celebrating each others successes.

It's something many United fans have longed for for a long time, and to finally see it during such a brilliant performance is a wonderful sight to see.

#5 - Being clinical is the key

United were not short of chances tonight. The creativity department did very well to conjure up the chances, however across the board, the side could not finish.

Fred and Fernandes' goals were both fairly lucky, with one being a deflection and the other dropping neatly from Dier's knee, however if the Red Devils were to find that clinical edge, it could really kick Erik ten Hag's side up a notch.