Premiership: United two up at the break

Manchester United 2, Tottenham 0 (half-time)

Ruud van Nistelrooy converted a penalty against Tottenham at Old Trafford to become the first Manchester United player since Brian McClair 14 years ago to score 30 competitive goals in a season.

Van Nistelrooy rammed the spot-kick home in the 43rd minute, following a foul by Mauricio Taricco on Paul Scholes for which the Argentinian was sent off.

David Beckham had opened the scoring on 15 minutes when he netted his 11th goal of the season with his left foot.

Van Nistelrooy put the ball in the Tottenham net again on 26 minutes, but his effort was ruled out for offside to the disgust of the Dutchman.

Referee Mike Riley made another decision which irked the home fans when he booked Keane for a crunching challenge on Poyet.

Beckham’s goal knocked Spurs back after their bright start and they struggled to mount any serious attacks.

United pressed for a second goal and Ledley King made a timely interception to cut out Neville’s intended cross for van Nistelrooy.

Mauricio Taricco then nodded a dangerous Beckham cross behind for another United corner.

United continued to stretch the Spurs defence and Dean Richards made a fine tackle to halt Forlan in the area as the Uruguayan closed in on goal.

The champions scored again three minutes before half-time from a penalty when Taricco tugged Scholes’ shirt as the England midfielder tried to latch on to van Nistelrooy’s through ball.

Riley sent Taricco off and booked Poyet for dissent before Van Nistelrooy stepped up to fire home his 30th competitive goal of the season.