It didn’t quite live up to the pre-game billing. Sold as the most exciting clash of the weekend, the game failed for large parts to sparkle, and when the excitement did come, it was down to referee Mike Dean rather than either set of players.

If this game represents the peak performance of Manchester United this season, then surely defeat will come sooner rather than later.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp aired his doubts about the ability of the Manchester club to go unbeaten after the game, and said it would be a “miracle” were they to achieve it; a sentiment which is echoed across the land.

Not that Sir Alex Ferguson will care one jot as his United side worked their way back to the top of the table after a tough game. A season unbeaten would represent the icing on the cake for Ferguson’s reign, but remains a by-product of a successful season.

Manchester United fans will be worried by the performance however at a clash which was put in context by the protests against Tottenham’s proposed move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford. Fans gathered to voice their opinions over the move, and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will not be encouraged by what he saw.

Inside the ground, United fans will be concerned that their main threat came from sporadic long range efforts from Wayne Rooney. Returning after a two game absence, his passing was particularly poor, as effort after effort failed to find its target; The former Everton man will remain a concern for his manager. The man who rampaged through teams last season was nowhere to be seen as the passion that has become a trademark of his game was conspicuous by its absence.

That is, aside from the Rafael sending off. Manchester United players, namely Rafael and Rooney screamed abuse at the referee following his controversial decision to send the right-back off. A decision that could have gone either way no doubt – Rafael clipped the back of Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s heels as he ran behind him to pick up his second yellow card of the day –but the reaction afterwards was ugly from a United side with previous form.

One man returning to the fold did manage to acquit himself well, however. Nemanja Vidic was rock solid at the back as wave after wave of attacks battered the United area as Spurs looked to take advantage of United’s misfortune. The line was tight as they kept the attacking talents of Spurs – Luka Modric in particular- at arm’s length.

That United still remain unbeaten after a string of unimpressive performances will worry their title rivals. Although the famous Manchester United swagger is still absent, if it’s found then the teams chasing them will have good reason to fear.

Redknapp can look back with pride on good performances around the pitch from those in a Spurs shirt, but will still be aware that his side failed again to break their duck against United. They were far the better side in the second half, but failed to break down the United defence so well marshalled by Vidic. The title race continues to be between five clubs, but if Sir Alex can get performances to start matching results, then he is halfway to winning back the Premier League crown.