RIGHT? Jose slams fans who criticised his call as sub Martial comes on to sink Spurs
Martial ’s introduction for Marcus Rashford after 70 minutes was booed by a section of the United support.
But Mourinho’s move proved to be a masterstroke as the French striker raced on to Romelu Lukaku’s header to beat Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris with only nine minutes left.
The result kept the Red Devils in second place and Portuguese gaffer Mourinho held a finger to his lips at the final whistle while muttering into the camera after their most important win of the Premier League season.
The Old Trafford manager said: “Some people speak too much. Don’t speak too much, relax.”
Asked if it was aimed at the doubters in the crowd he labelled “Einsteins” or journalists, he said: “Yeah, relax a little bit. Don’t be so nervous, don’t be so excited.
“Apart from Dele Alli’s chance, we controlled them well. It was tactically difficult for both sides and it was well refereed. It was strong, aggressive.
“We knew i f we had one defensive mistake we could lose and that’s what happened to them in the end.”
This top- of-the-table clash was always going to be decided by small margins.
Mauricio Pochettino accused Pep Guardiola of showing a lack of respect when he dubbed Tottenham “Harry Kane FC” – but the Eng land striker is the one man he can’t do
Manchester Utd.... 1 Tottenham ............. 0
without. Pochettino is a talented boss but he hasn’t yet mastered the art of turning water into wine.
One day, he might get the chance to taste the fruits on offer when you manage United.
But for now he’ll be praying that the hamstring strain that forced him to leave Kane back home in London heals quickly.
With Kane missing, Pochettino had little option but to ask Heung- Son Min to f i l l the Spurs talisman’s scoring boots.
The South Korean spent an hou r r unni n g i nto t he roadblocks put up by Mourinho’s three-man defence.
Spurs’ only chance came just before Martial’s winner.
Christian Eriksen’s exquisite clip forward for once found United wanting but Alli could only guide his volley wide.
It was the kind of opportunity that Kane dreams about.
United had the better of the chances in the second half with Belgian hitman Lukaku producing an outstanding save from Lloris and hitting the woodwork with a header.
The winner came in 81 minutes. David De Gea launched a free-kick forward from inside his own penalty area and Lukaku’s leap above Toby Alderweireld enabled him to flick on.
Martial had read the script and when Eric Dier failed to track the Frenchman’s dart, he ghosted in behind Jan Vertonghen to score.
Pochettino said: “It was an even game. It was a shame to lose. The chances were there for both sides so it was tough.”