Manchester - Wayne Rooney has ensured Manchester United packed a punch as they tightened their grip on a top-four place with an impressive 3-0 victory over Tottenham on Sunday.
After going out of the FA Cup against Arsenal last Monday, the sole remaining target for Louis van Gaal's first season in charge is to finish at least fourth in the Premier League to seal a return to the Champions League.
A record of just two league defeats since the start of November had given them every chance, but the unconvincing nature of some of their performances had still raised doubts that they would stay the course.