Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were dealing with key absentees in their match at Old Trafford, and both struggled mightily in a poor first half. But while the visitors would continue to struggle, United found another gear in the second 45 minutes, putting their poor guests to the sword in a 3-0 rout that would have been far more lopsided if not for the presence of Brad Friedel in the Spurs goal.
Danny Welbeck got things going with a magnificent header following a nice cross by Tom Cleverley in the 61st minute, and then produced a superb assist for Anderson, backheeling the ball past a flummoxed Tottenham defence to give the Brazilian midfielder the easiest of finishes past a helpless Friedel, who had until that point being keeping out every attempt by United to pad their score.
Although Spurs then hit the post, United were in complete control of the game and a triple substitution was soon to follow, with Sir Alex Ferguson introducing Ryan Giggs, Park Ji-Sung and Chicharito to great applause - especially for the latter, who had been sidelined thanks to concussion sustained during the club's pre-season tour of America. The hosts weren't done yet, though, adding their third and final goal after Giggs produced a nice little clip into the box for Wayne Rooney to nod easily into the back of the net to make the score 3-0.
It's hard to say Tottenham deserved better, even if they did keep the champions quiet for a half. they'll have to improve from this showing rather rapidly if they want to challenge for the Champions League place they gave up to Manchester City last year.