Ole Gunnar Solskjaer passed the first test. Manchester United's embattled manager employed a new formation which helped his team end a four-game Premier League winless streak with a 3-0 road win at Tottenham Hotspur. Cristiano Ronaldo was the attacking star with a spectacular goal and assist as Man United move into 5th place (17 points, eight behind leaders Chelsea).
Manchester United fielded a 3-5-2 formation which gave the Red Devils the defensive solidity they've been lacking in recent matches. The shutout win was only the second of the season and the first since Aug. 29. Tottenham didn't register a single shot on goal and the return from injury of Man United center back Raphael Varane didn't hurt: He had more clearances (6) than any other player on the field.
Meanwhile in attack, the addition of forward Edinson Cavani alongside Ronaldo, and the contribution of the wingbacks higher up the field helped give United an offensive edge. But the Red Devils still needed a moment of magic from their star players to break through. Bruno Fernandes lofted a perfectly weighted ball and his compatriot Ronaldo applied a sensational volley finish to open the scoring before halftime.
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