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Henrikh Mkhitaryan became the first Armenian to score in the Premier League, taking the league's total goalscoring nationalities to 96 |
Henrikh Mkhitaryan's first Premier League goal gave Manchester United victory over top-four rivals Tottenham.
United, still six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, led when Mkhitaryan raced on to Ander Herrera's through ball and hammered into the roof of the net.
EPL Table As It Stands
Victor Wanyama should have levelled with a header from six yards out, although visitors Spurs created few chances despite plenty of possession.
Paul Pogba almost made it more comfortable for Jose Mourinho's side when he hit a free-kick against the post, but United ended a run of three games without a win in the league.
The game ended in disappointment for Mkhitaryan, who was taken off on a stretcher with an ankle injury in the final 10 minutes at Old Trafford and has been ruled out until Boxing Day.
Spurs missed the chance to replace Manchester City in fourth and remain fifth, three points above United.
MATCH HIGHLIGHT
It was all lined up to be the perfect afternoon for Mkhitaryan, who has turned around his fortunes at Old Trafford since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
The 27-year-old, who became the first Armenian to score in the Premier League, had started only one league match in his first four months at the club.
But Mourinho has brought him back into the fold and the result was two goals in as many games for the forward, following a strike in Thursday's Europa League win over Zorya.
Mkhitaryan's revival may have been cruelly cut short, however, after he was carried off the pitch following a challenge by Danny Rose.
Mourinho said the injury was not serious and expects him to be back for the Premier League match at home to Sunderland on Boxing Day.
The Armenian's absence could open up a return to the side for Wayne Rooney, who was an unused substitute, while Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata could also be options.
The only other negative for United was the booing from some supporters of Marouane Fellaini while the Belgium midfielder was warming up to come on as a stoppage-time substitute.
Fellaini conceded the late penalty from which Everton equalised last week, moments after he had come off the bench.
Man of the match - Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
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| Midfielder Herrera was the driving force behind most of Manchester United's attacks, making five key passes in the game, including the assist for Mkhitaryan's goal |
What's next?
Both sides will find out who they will face in the last 32 of the Europa League when the draw is made on Monday.
After that, Manchester United travel to Crystal Palace on Wednesday, while Tottenham host Hull City on the same day (both at 20:00 GMT).
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