United remain unflappable, undefeated

THE blank scoreline may have been unexpected but the outcome was not.

Unable to break down a Manchester United defence depleted for the last 16 minutes by the dismissal of Rafael da Silva, Tottenham Hotspur were provided with a reminder of the distance they still have to travel before they can eye a first title in 50 years.

Harry Redknapp’s side enjoyed the greater possession, even before Rafael’s unfortunate dismissal following the second of two harshly awarded yellow cards, but faced with opponents brimming with experience and know-how, they were unable to find a way through.