Page 2 - Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester United: 3 Takeaways from United win at Wembley

#2 Solskjaer passes first real test as caretaker manager

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League

The interesting scenario about this match was not just David de Gea’s brilliance. This encounter was to some extent an audition of who could potentially take over permanently as Manchester United manager next season.

Pochettino was one of the top contenders before kick-off, but now, the pendulum has swung in Solskjaer’s favor. The Norwegian is the first Manchester United manager to win his first six matches in a row, eclipsing the legendary Sir Matt Busby in the process.

#3 Fourth place is now a realistic target for Manchester United

The timing of sacking Jose Mourinho could not have been any better. While the decision was slightly risky, it now looks an absolute masterstroke. The feel-good factor was restored when United appointed Solskjaer and the former United striker seems to turn everything he touches into gold.

The Red Devils were eight points behind Arsenal when the Norwegian was appointed, but following successive league victories, they have now moved level on points with Unai Emery’s Arsenal. United are also not far off fourth place, trailing Chelsea by only six points.

The significance of Manchester United’s win over Spurs was that they play Brighton and Burnley at Old Trafford in the next two games, while Arsenal face off against Chelsea next weekend. The fixture list could almost effectively put Man United within touching distance of fourth, something that looked entirely unlikely when they lost to Liverpool in December.