Tottenham1

Manchester Utd 2

Scorers: Tottenham - Poyet (62); Manchester Utd- O'Shea (14), van Nistelrooy (24)

Rio Ferdinand obviously felt this was not the time to sit at home and weep into his

pillow. There will be plenty of opportunity for that when his eight-month ban for missing a drugs test comes into force on January 12. Instead, he showed up at Tottenham yesterday, contributing to a victory that put Manchester United back on top of the Premiership in time for Christmas.

Ferdinand, said to be devastated by the outcome of his disciplinary hearing in Bolton last week, when he was found guilty of failing or refusing to attend a drugs test, kept his feelings well hidden at White Hart Lane. Despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson expressing concern about the 25-year-old defender's state of mind, Ferdinand showed admirable composure as he got on with the job, impervious to the boos.

''Really pleased,'' was Ferguson's reaction to the performance of his beleaguered player. ''I think it was the best thing to do, for him to play the game and take his mind off things. I think he acquitted himself very well in the circumstances.''

As for Ferdinand continuing to play until the start of the ban, the United manager was equally bullish. ''The boy merits a position in the team on his performances. Mentally he is very strong. He and Mikael Silvestre have formed a tremendous partnership. Why should I change it?''

If Ferdinand was hurting, he kept it to himself. At the weekend, there was plenty of talk of an appeal, of Ferdinand turning his back on England, of him taking the case to the civil courts. Back home in the capital, he let his football do the talking, playing the full 90 minutes to ensure United's impressive defensive record remained intact. Silvestre will miss him dearly. Between them they have conceded fewer goals than anyone this season.

The one that got away yesterday afternoon, a poacher's strike from Gus Poyet deep in the second half, was no more than a consolation for Spurs. United, who have pinched more points off Tottenham than any other team in the Premiership, were not in benevolent mood. The FA's treatment of Ferdinand and the subsequent criticism of the club has riled the players and manager. Old Trafford is adopting the siege mentality and there are bound to be casualties.

Starting with David Pleat's Tottenham. Unlike the home side, who had played in an extra-time Carling Cup marathon in midweek, United boasted fresh limbs and belligerent spirit. In current form, Ruud van Nistelrooy is impossible to contain, while Paul Scholes, back from injury, is a bundle of energy and anxious to make up for lost time. As for John O'Shea, the prospect of covering for Ferdinand in the months ahead clearly appeals.

It was the Irish defender who opened the scoring in the 14th minute, flinging a speculative boot in the general direction of Ryan Giggs' inswinging corner. Spurs captain Stephen Carr, who had moments earlier berated his defenders for their lack of communication, was left speechless on the goal-line as O'Shea's cheeky flick steered the ball beyond Kasey Keller.

United's fifth successive victory over Tottenham was sealed in the first 45 minutes. Apart from Anderton's replacement Poyet, who forced a one-handed save from Howard within moments of taking to the field and Stephane Dalmat, a useful-looking loan signing from Inter who grew in confidence throughout the game, Spurs were seriously lacking in conviction. Neither Dean Richards nor Anthony Gardner were prepared to take responsibility for van Nistelrooy, with the inevitable consequences.

A fine passing move, with contributions from Roy Keane, Scholes and Giggs, left the galloping Dutchman in space and in possession. In fairness to Gardner, he did manage to track down van Nistelrooy in the Spurs penalty area. However, the boot he stuck out in an effort to block the striker's shot almost certainly helped it into the back of the net.

Game over. Poyet's goal on the hour, carved out of nothing by Freddie Kanoute's long, deep cross and Dalmat's incisive ball into the box, gave the home support some encouragement, but not enough. ''We ended up scrambling for the three points,'' said Ferguson at the finish. The United manager must be feeling a little insecure. This victory was never in doubt.

Tottenham (4-4-2) Keller; Carr, Gardner, Richards, Taricco (Ricketts 64); Anderton (Poyet 19), Dalmat (Postiga 77), King, Konchesky; Kanoute, KeaneSubs: Hirschfeld, Doherty Booked Taricco, Konchesky

Man Utd (4-4-2) Howard; G Neville, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Silvestre; Fletcher (Ronaldo 79), Keane (Butt 82), P Neville, Giggs; van Nistelrooy, Scholes. Subs: Carroll, Forlan, Fortune Booked Giggs, Scholes

Referee R Styles