Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored for the second match in succession to give Manchester United a much-needed victory over Tottenham in the Premier League.

The home side took the lead when Mkhitaryan, who finally has the trust of Jose Mourinho, was released by Ander Herrera and finished cleanly.

United remain sixth but are now just three points behind their opponents, six short of rivals Manchester City, and 13 off leaders Chelsea.

In the second half, Spurs threatened as Matteo Darmian was targeted by Moussa Sissoko, but United held on.

Another blow for United came late on when Mkhitaryan left on a stretcher following a hack from Danny Rose. Mourinho will be concerned he will miss crucial, winnable games against Crystal Palace, West Brom and Sunderland in the coming weeks.

United will be relieved to finally close out a game with some resilience, and Spurs will be frustrated with a poor afternoon of toothless attacking.