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Mauricio Pochettino lamented the error that saw his side leave Old Trafford with no points , but won't dwell on it as Tottenham look ahead to Wednesday's visit of Real Madrid.
A mistake from Eric Dier allowed Manchester United substitute Anthony Martial to settle this tense, at times feisty encounter with a late strike.
But Pochettino didn't want to focus on that split-second error, even though it brings his own record away to top-six teams under further scrutiny.
“I think the game was even. It was a tough game, a very tough game," he told Sky Sports.
“I feel proud of their effort. We’re unlucky in the last ten minutes, it’s a mistake but I think it was unfortunate.
“Now it’s important to be calm and in football this sort of mistake happens and it’s important not to blame anyone.
Show 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.
"It’s a team, a collective and we must move on.
“It’s not the moment to talk [about the mistake]. We feel disappointed, we made a mistake and we conceded a goal and at that moment I felt the game was more on our side so it’s a shame. I’m disappointed. We have to move on because on Wednesday we have another game."
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