Tottenham 1-3 Manchester United: Redknapp plays down England distraction as Rooney and Young batter Spurs

United impressively saw off Tottenham with a controlled performance at White Hart Lane. The victory ensures that they stay just two points off Manchester City. The two play each other at the end of next month in a crucial clash at Eastlands that will surely have a major bearing on who will win the title race.

A first-half goal from Wayne Rooney and a pair of strikes from winger Ashley Young after the interval secured United's 10th away win of the season. Substitute Jermain Defoe scored late on for Spurs, but by then, the points belonged to the visitors.

"We know exactly what we have to do," said the Manchester United boss of the match against the championship leaders. "Things can happen and both will drop points. The important thing is to not drop as many as your opponents. A battling performance today tells you that we are up for it."

He added: "Tottenham are a very good team and this is only their second defeat at home since the start of the season. It was a massive result and a massive performance from our defenders."

For Spurs, they suffer yet more humiliation after recently being beaten comfortably by north London rivals Arsenal. With the continuing uncertainty over the future of England-bound Harry Redknapp, Spurs supporters must be wandering whether their season will now came off the rails. The White Hart Lane manager denied the speculation was proving a distraction.

"My focus is completely on getting results here and the players know that," said Redknapp. "This has not had an effect on the players. We just didn't get the break.

He added: "I was pleased with all the performances. The whole team functioned well and I couldn't have asked for more."

There was little between the sides in a tightly-contested first half. On balance, however, the hosts had the greater share of possession, but missing key players as they were, they were unable to find the breakthrough.

Spurs looked to have taken the lead, on 36 minutes, but Emmanuel Adebayor was adjudged to have handled the ball before flicking it past Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea. It was a big call from referee Martin Atkinson, and replays suggested it was a harsh decision.

Ahead of this match, Redknapp was dealt a blow with the news that Gareth Bale as well as playmaker Rafael van der Vaart would both miss out through injury. Scott Parker was absent through suspension.

The visitors took the lead a minute before the interval when Rooney stole ahead of Kyle Walker and headed in Young's corner kick. The Spurs defender was at fault for a lapse in concentration that allowed in Rooney, something that was acknowledged by Redknapp.

Spurs had a good opportunity to equalise on 52 minutes when Jake Livermore struck a firm shot from outside the penalty area. De Gea's fine reaction save was all the more impressive as it took a deflection off the heels of Louis Saha.

Young scored his first, well-taken shot from close range, on 60 minutes after great work on the flank from winger Nani. The win was assured when he beat goalkeeper Brad Friedel from 25 yards with a curling shot. His superb second capped a good display from the player.

Spurs players were left deflated and struggled to raise themselves for the remainder of the match. Defoe scored on 81 minutes with a powerful drive after a loose pass from substitute Ryan Giggs, but the points were United's by then.