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Nemanja Matic has reiterated that Manchester United are title challengers after they edged past Tottenham at a rain-soaked Old Trafford.
The Serbian midfielder was named Sky Sports' Man of the Match in a game where he helped shut down Spurs before Anthony Martial sprung from the bench to grab a late winner for the hosts.
“This is one of the best teams in the league," Matic said of Spurs.
Thankfully we managed to score a goal to win this important game. It was a great game and the most important is that we won it.
“They had more of the ball in the first half but I think we had more chances, more clear chances than them. They play great football but the most important is the result at the end.
“If we can fight like this then we can compete for the title."
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratingsShow all 22 1 /22Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings David de Gea - 7 Notably collided with Phil Jones in the first half to spill the ball in his own box but was rarely tested. When he was, he looked composed as ever.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Eric Bailly - 7 Looked solid and confident on his return. Did the basics well and was rarely beaten when one-on-one.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Chris Smalling - 7 Did very little wrong at the back but neither did he particularly impress. Held the line and was part of a compact backline that kept Spurs' front men out.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Phil Jones – 6 A performance that improved with time. Started the game as not overly assured and was guilty of a few misplaced passes. Clashed with his ‘keeper to hand Sissoko a chance of goal in the first half. His second 45 minutes were much better.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Antonio Valencia - 6 Another respectable performance. Made a stinging shot on goal in the second half that came within a whisker of the top-left corner.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Ander Herrera - 6 Had the chance to make a point today against a big side but couldn't stamp his authority on the game.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Nemanja Matic - 8 A very solid and rounded Matic display. Did the basics, offering an extra layer of defence in front of United's backline. Made the most tackles, blocks and passes. Man of the match.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Ashley Young - 8 Took great delight in getting under Dele Alli’s skin but held his own when put under pressure on the back foot. Made some vital interceptions and tackles. Excellent performance in all.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 5 Created few chances in his central role. Went missing for much of the match and was hauled off with 25 minutes to go.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Romelu Lukaku - 6 Another game were Lukaku's influence game and went. It took until the latter stages of the game when he enjoyed two good chances on goal. Nonetheless, it's in games like these where he needs to be taking control and asserting himself - which he didn't.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Marcus Rashford - 6 One of the few players in first half who injected United with any real passion and desire. But struggled to offer enough up front.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Hugo Lloris - 6 Read United’s forward game well to make a series of interceptions and clearances. Reliable as ever in between the sticks with his shot-stopping. Couldn't do much about Martial's goal.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Toby Alderweireld - 5 Had enjoyed a respectable game up until his role in Martial's game. He completely misjudged De Gea's throw, allowing Lukaku to nod on the ball to the French forward.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Eric Dier - 5 One of Tottenham’s weaker players. His sloppy passes and touches handed United possession on a number of occasions. Was easily brushed aside by Martial for United's goal. Should have done better.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Jan Vertonghen - 6 Not much to shout about regarding Vertonghen. Didn't make as many mistakes as his defensive teammates. Solid game.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Serge Aurier - 6 Pushed on down the flank to keep Ashley Young busy. Involved in some neat link-up play, too. Quiet second half.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Moussa Sissoko - 6 Tried his luck with numerous shots on goal that were seriously underwhelming to say the least. Should have made the most of these opportunities. Still, made a number of chances and certainly made his presence felt.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Harry Winks - 6 Still finding his feet on the main stage but looked bright when surging forward with the ball at feet. Struggled to instill much creativity in his Tottenham side though.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Ben Davies - 6 Drifted in and out of the game. Made a vital goal-mouth clearance in the second half but wasn't as effective going forward.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Dele Alli - 6 Perhaps spent more of his game attempting to keep his emotions in check as opposed to focusing on his actual game. Livened up but failed to take his big chance towards the end.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Christian Eriksen - 6 A surprisingly quiet game from the Dane. Only started to have a real influence when he was shifted to the right of midfield towards the latter stages of the match.
Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Son Heung-min - 6 Failed to terrorise United's backline in the same way he did Liverpool's. Couldn't offer his teammates what Harry Kane does. A largely ineffective target man.
Martial, who netted the winner after Eric Dier failed to read Romelu Lukaku's flick-on, was delighted to have come off the bench to score the deciding goal.
“We lost the last game so it’s important for us to win and I’m happy to score.
“The manager told me to find the space and I know Lukaku is good with his head so I just ran.
“I don’t want to be on the bench but Rashford plays well too."
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