Incredible keeper wins it for Solskjaer

on their faces. Solskjaer has reinvigorated United by getting players to believe in themselves and to express themselves again. Under Mourinho they had become inhibited and afraid.

United’s 44th-minute winner typified it. Jesse Lingard dispossessed Kieran Trippier and Paul Pogba sprayed the pass of the season to release Marcus Rashford.

The England striker, so often stifled under Mourinho, raced clear to beat Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris, who really should have done better.

This was the United of old and, with Sir Alex Ferguson looking on from the stands at Wembley, it revived memories of the days when this fixture was one of the most exciting in any season.

Spurs more than played their part, though, as De Gea was forced into a staggering 11 saves.

Reflex

He started it with a brilliant stop with his legs to deny Kane – and then he made save after breathtaking save.

Dele Alli and Kane, again, were foiled but his best came after 70 minutes.

Tottenham took a short corner, Christian Eriksen put in a low cross and Toby Alderweireld’s near-post shot produced a stunning reflex stop as De Gea somehow blocked with his legs.

United became increasingly desperate in their defending but they somehow held on thanks to blocks, tackles... and De Gea’s brilliance.

Solskjaer has shown that – with the right support cast in terms of players, coaching and backing from the fans – he can surely turn his caretaker role into that of permanent manager.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has been United’s No.1 choice and yet his side are running into problems just when Solskjaer’s star is rising.

Heung-min Son is off for international duty with South Korea in the Asian Cup, while Kane hobbled off at the end, having suffered what looked like a nasty injury on top of his bruised ego.

Spurs have fallen away in the title race when victory over United would have lifted them again.

Make no mistake. This was a heroic win but also the sort of victory which will show that Solskjaer has to be a serious contender to be the main man at Old Trafford.