It seemed to be a premonition that the match programme publishers dared make Henrikh Mkhitaryan their cover image, diplomatically describing the requirement to “adapt” which saw the Armenian start only two Premier League games before this. If truth be told, the Armenian would say his manager has simply failed to know the quality in front of his eyes but, regardless of that, he let the football do his talking.

The 27-year-old ended the afternoon with his first Old Trafford goal, three days after scoring his first Manchester United goal, so crowning a performance which he provided the unexpected and dangerous component in Mourinho’s side. Yet he also ended it on a stretcher, taken off in the final 10 minutes with a suspected ankle injury. Manchester United have recorded consecutive wins for the first time since last September and though scruffy and a less than emphatic demonstration of their muscle, there was evidence that the pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fit.

Mourinho is perhaps also persuaded at last of the poise and vision Michael Carrick has to bring, with a touch which was impressive again, while Paul Pogba’s threat from the berth behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, rattling the bar and bringing a fine save from Hugo Lloris in the game’s late stages, make the way ahead look increasingly foggy for the unused captain, Wayne Rooney. Ander Herrera, impressive again, looks like future captain material.

Mkhitaryan strike was his first Old Trafford goal since arriving in the summer (Getty)

It is the goal which will live longest in the memory. Mkhitaryan’s finish was memorable for its power and assuredness, as the right-sided midfielder required one touch on the ball that Herrera traced into his path, before thrashing it high into the rook of Lloris’ net.

It was a hustle which had created the chance. The threatening presence of Pogba had led Harry Kane to spill possession directly to Herrera and that moment encapsulated the frailty and lack of precision at times which explains why Spurs, ten points off top spot now, are struggling to attain last season’s standard.

Kane, Delli Ali, Victor Wanyama and Christian Eriksen could not make an impression on the game and the prospect of United being tested to the core by the fastest and fittest in the Premier League simply did not materialise. Tottenham’s only threat was with the dead ball: Eriksen (twice) and Son Heung-min both forced David de Gea into sharp saves.

Wanyama should have done better when presented with a free header (Getty)

The chances Spurs were presented with were a product of that capacity United have to commit defensive suicide. A 15-yard run on a free kick from Wanyama after 55 minutes went entirely undetected, with Matteo Darmian the culprit, but the Dutchman conspired to head the ball down into the turf with the goal at his mercy. Alli was equally blunt when Antonio Valencia’s back pass sent him through to goal.

On this error-strewn landscape, Mkhitaryan was a shining light, with his ambition and distance run. He caused danger all over the front line on the first half, frequently advancing into the right hand channel. His advance positions provide an effective link up with Ibrahimovic and he picks the pass behind the defensive line, too – measuring one for Ibrahimovic when the game was only two minutes old from which the Swede provided an outstanding chance for Pogba. The Frenchman’s left-footed shot with the instep was easy for Lloris to palm away.

Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Manchester 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.

On the sidelines, Jose Mourinho was a brooding presence, barely noticeable in the first half though on the touchline again in the second, willing free kicks to be given and thumping the turf with such unmitigated fury when unhappy that you have to feel that the story of his clash with authority will continue to colour the season. “I believe we are in the top three teams in terms of the quality of our performance,” was his observation before the match. The injustice he feels about the way his team have been painted is never far from the surface and Danny Rose’s late run into the box nearly compounded it. Phil Jones withdrew from a challenge just in time to prevent the defender drawing a foul and penalty.

Mkhitaryan was forced off with a suspected ankle injury in the closing stages (Getty)

But as Tottenham struggled to provide the late vim which has made United so vulnerable to the late equaliser, it was the Portuguese’s team who threatened with those Pogba efforts – a free kick bent against the bar with Lloris stranded and a give-and-go with Herrera which took him into shooting distance, forcing the goalkeeper to leap left and save.

Mkhitaryan was asked in the match programme interview if he feared for the lack of a winter break. “No,” he said. “It’s always better to play every three or four days and to be awake and alive." He’s no intention of heading back to the shadows now.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Darmian; Carrick, Herrera; Mkhitaryan (Bailly 85), Pogba, Martial (Rashford 79); Ibrahimovic.

Substitutes: Romero, Mata, Rooney, Blind, Fellaini.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dembele (Winks 66), Wanyama; Eriksen (Nkoudou 83), Alli, Son (Sissosko, 57); Kane.

Substitutes: Vorm, Dier, Wimmer, Davies

Referee: R Madley (West Yorkshire)