Manchester United strengthened their hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League on Sunday with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

All of United's goals came during a dominant first-half display as Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney all found the net.

The result has kept Louis van Gaal's side in fourth place in the table, while Spurs have slipped down to seventh position.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the teams at Old Trafford.

Match statistics

MAN UTD
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 52%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 12

TOTTENHAM
Shots: 5
On target: 1
Possession: 48%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

Most definitely. Manchester United's dominance over Spurs was so conclusive it is a wonder how they did not score more goals. While the hosts were superb across all areas of the pitch, Tottenham were woeful.

Man Utd's performance

The Red Devils have been guilty of some uninspiring performances in recent weeks, but this was a hark back to more cavalier times. The hosts came flying out of the traps and rarely let up, putting the game to bed with a superb first-half showing that saw them score all three of their goals. The passing was crisp, the tempo was high and they always looked to get forward whenever they were in possession.

In fact, they could have easily added to their tally with a bit better finishing in the final third. The second half saw Van Gaal's men take a more measured approach, though they continued to keep Spurs at arm's length thanks to their organisation and discipline. With a trip to Liverpool up next for United, this was exactly the type of display that they would have hoped for.

Tottenham's performance

Where to start? This was an absolutely shocking afternoon for Spurs, who looked turgid and lifeless throughout. Their awful display during the opening half did the damage as they were overwhelmed by United's pace, power and dynamism. Mauricio Pochettino's men struggled to string more than two passes together, while big gaps in their defence were exploited by the grateful hosts.

There was a bit of an improvement after the break as the likes of Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane saw more of the ball, but the visitors were just trying to limit the damage by this point. The North London club are still in with a chance of securing a top-four finish, though they will have to be much better than this if they want to qualify for the Champions League.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Marouane Fellaini: After setting his side on their way with a well-taken goal, the Belgian did a brilliant job in holding the ball up and making himself a general nuisance for the Tottenham defence. He also put himself about in midfield on numerous occasions, with Spurs often finding him unplayable due to his strength and physicality.

Biggest gaffe

Tottenham were a collective mess during the first half, but even more so in the build-up to the home side's third goal. Rooney was gifted possession in midfield before being allowed to run through the Tottenham defence on his way to slotting past Hugo Lloris. Jan Vertonghen and Eric Dier were the biggest culprits on this occasion as they let the United captain drift past them with ease.

Referee performance

Mark Clattenburg enjoyed a routine afternoon at Old Trafford, with no big moments of controversy to talk about. The game was allowed to flow at a fast pace, while he only brandished his yellow card a handful of times.

What next?

Man Utd: United are back in action on March 22 when they travel to fierce rivals Liverpool in the Premier League.

Tottenham: Spurs continue their Premier League campaign on March 21 when struggling Leicester City visit White Hart Lane.