James Maddison’s first-half strike earned Tottenham Hotspur a first home Premier League win in 15 weeks and piled more pressure on Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.
Maddison, back from injury, was quickest to react when Andre Onana could only parry Lucas Bergvall’s shot and made no mistake from close range to give the hosts a deserved lead in the 13th minute.
In a chaotic game, there were chances for both sides, but Spurs hung on for a crucial three points that moved them up to 12th in the table and took some of the heat off manager Ange Postecoglou.
United were hit by injuries and illness in the week leading up to the clash in north London, with Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro all ruled out.
Amorim was forced to make widespread changes and fill his bench with inexperienced teenagers, but the visitors had their opportunities to equalise.
The best of those fell to Alejandro Garnacho in the first half, but with just Guglielmo Vicario to beat, the Argentine blazed his close-range shot well over the bar.
Amorim cut a frustrated figure throughout on the touchline at his side’s lasts show of profligacy.
There were further chances after the break, but the crucial bit of quality required continued to be lacking.
Joshua Zirkzee, one of the better performers for United, glanced a free header wide of the post, while Garnacho had another shot saved well by Vicario at the near post.
United have now slumped to 15th, just 12 points above the relegation zone and with tricky fixtures against Everton and Ipswich to come.
For Tottenham, there is more to be positive about. As well as the win, the injury fog is slowly clearing.
Postecoglou’s bench was boosted by the returns of Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert, who received a rapturous reception when he entered the fray in the second half.
Up next is a trip to Ipswich before the visit of Manchester City to north London.