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Rashford spoils Mourinho's return to Old Trafford in win over Spurs

Matthew Ashton - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Marcus Rashford scored twice Wednesday to spoil Jose Mourinho's first match back at Old Trafford and push Manchester United provisionally up to sixth place.

Dele Alli canceled out Rashford's early opener just before halftime, but Rashford converted from the penalty spot in the 49th minute to seal the 2-1 win over Tottenham.

It's the first time Spurs have lost under Mourinho since he replaced Mauricio Pochettino in November.

United, meanwhile, remain unbeaten against the Premier League's "big six" this season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who succeeded Mourinho as United manager nearly a year ago, was serenaded by the home supporters after a vindicating night of football.

Spurs seemed taken aback by United's sense of urgency in the first half-hour. Rashford started quickest, and it was the 22-year-old who set the tone six minutes in. Sneaking a shot inside Paulo Gazzaniga's near post, Rashford extended his incredible run of form, scoring for the 11th time in 13 matches for club and country.

Rashford nearly struck again in the 25th minute, but Gazzaniga was equal to his long-range effort, tipping it off the bar and out of play.

Spurs slowly regained their composure and attacked with more rhythm. With minutes remaining in the half, Alli scored the equalizer, a goal as beautiful in construction as in execution. As the ball flew up, Alli braced himself and produced a sublime touch to loop the ball over his markers and into space. The finish was clinical.

But for Tottenham, the good vibes were short-lived. Moussa Sissoko conceded a penalty in the 49th minute after making slight contact with Rashford, who sent Gazzaniga the other way.

United largely controlled the match from then on. Dele had one more chance in the fourth minute of stoppage time but sent his effort into David De Gea's grateful arms.

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