Tottenham recorded back-to-back wins against Swansea and CSKA Moscow last week, scoring eight goals in the process, but their opponents were poor. Sunday's trip to Old Trafford was always going to provide a better barometer of Spurs' capabilities -- and the north Londoners lost the fixture 1-0, just like last season.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan struck the only goal of the game in the 29th minute and fifth-placed Tottenham are now just three points ahead of Manchester United. Spurs also missed the chance to overtake fourth-placed Manchester City.
Positives
Toby Alderweireld made a welcome return to the starting line-up while summer signing Moussa Sissoko had an encouraging outing as a second-half substitute, beating his full-back on a few occasions.