Anderson breaks duck as Sir Alex seals 750th Reds win

Manchester United bounced back from an early setback to seal an impressive 3-1 win at Spurs on Saturday evening. Despite Paul Scholes’ dismissal, a Ryan Giggs free-kick, Anderson’s first ever club goal and a Wayne Rooney effort saw off Harry Redknapp’s previously unbeaten side.

The ESPN cameras rolled into White Hart Lane for the eagerly anticipated clash between unbeaten Spurs and a United side who, despite picking up three wins from four, have been accused of being below-par at times this season.

It was the hosts who broke the deadlock in emphatic fashion inside one minute. Ex-Spurs frontman Dimitar Berbatov was sloppy in possession, Assou-Ekkotu picking up the loose ball and firing towards Peter Crouch. Nemanja Vidic tried to fend off Spurs' lanky striker, but instead headed the ball straight to Jermaine Defoe who turned a superb acrobatic bicycle kick beyond Ben Foster right in front of the travelling United fans.

United were shell-shocked and Spurs looked the more likely to double their lead. Crouch, making his first Spurs start since his move from the south coast, proved particularly dangerous in the early stages and launched two ambitious volleys at Foster's goal.

However, United eventually settled and equalised thanks to a mouth-watering free-kick from skipper Ryan Giggs. Making his 700^th Red Devils start, the Welshman curled home a superb free-kick after Wilson Palacios had dragged down Berbatov. It was an incredible strike - and really changed the direction of this intriguing contest.

United surged forward hoping to capture the lead before the break. When the goal did come, it was from an unexpected source. Anderson finally bagged his first United goal with a superb effort from the edge of the penalty box. Livewire Scholes saw his shot blocked by Ledley King, and the Brazilian picked up the loose ball and drilled home on his 76^th outing in the United jersey.

Redknapp threw on Jermaine Jenas from the bench after half-time and he helped them create a handful of decent chances. The home faithful were sensing an equaliser and their hopes rose as Scholes was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence with over half-an-hour to play.

However, United adjusted superbly to their numerical disadvantage and sealed the win when Darren Fletcher fed through Wayne Rooney on 77 minutes. The England striker saw off Alan Hutton and sent a cool finish beyond the reach of Carlo Cudicini. It was a super move and the energetic Rooney dropped to his knees in front of the travelling fans to celebrate.

Spurs were demoralised as United nearly added the fourth on their way to a morale-boosting win against a team aiming to break into the top spots this season. A big win ahead of the daunting mid-week trip to Turkey.

Full Time - Spurs 1-3 Manchester United
Attendance - 35,785