Harry must be sick of England chants

For it is a cry which has become a stick to beat Redknapp with by opposition fans — a mickey-take which could really get to hurt.

Fans of minnows Stevenage started it in the 0-0 FA Cup draw, then Arsenal supporters had a go as they came back from two down to win 5-2 last Sunday.

Yesterday, it was ringing round White Hart Lane courtesy of United's travelling army.

Recent results might indicate that speculation over Redknapp's future is unsettling Spurs and derailing their bid for Champions League qualification.

Yet they were the better side for large parts of the match and created plenty of chances.

In fact, Redknapp even claimed afterwards that on the evidence of this game you could never argue England was proving a distraction.

In his opinion, Spurs did not get what they deserved.

In truth the decisive factor was United's clinical finishing which was epitomised by two-goal Ashley Young, who also created the first for Wayne Rooney.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was interviewed on Saturday and asked about his team going five points clear after victory over Bolton.

He argued that it was actually only two points — as United would win.

It was perhaps mind games, trying to put pressure on his rivals, but United did as predicted.

In doing so, they extended an astonishing unbeaten record to 26 games unbeaten against the side from North London.

Former full-back Gary Neville reckons United can "sniff it" now.

He believes the momentum has swung their way because they have been there before and done it, whereas City have not.

If United win every match from now until the end of the season they will retain the title because one of those games is away at City on April 30.

That is seen by many as the day of destiny for the Premier League.

For United, this was a very big victory.

A great deal of credit should go to the much-maligned David de Gea. The Spanish keeper made two excellent saves to ensure United netted the three points. He got down well to deny Emmanuel Adebayor after the on-loan forward had powered through the middle in an attempt to put Spurs ahead.

He later made a world-class stop from a Jake Livermore shot which deflected off former United striker Louis Saha. That one would have got the home side an equaliser.

Spurs were without key players in the suspended Scott Parker, the injured Rafael van der Vaart, and the sick Gareth Bale — which did not help their cause.

But they still took the game to United and felt they should have been in front on 37 minutes when Adebayor accidentally blocked Saha's shot on the line and the ball hit his hand before he back-heeled it home.

Spurs protested and the fans were screaming at referee Martin Atkinson but there was no doubt Adebayor made contact with his hand, however unlucky.

To add to Spurs' misery, United took the lead on the stroke of half-time as Young's corner was headed in by Rooney.

It was too easy for the England striker really with young full-back Kyle Walker failing to track his man's run well enough.

De Gea then made his big save from Livermore and Benoit Assou-Ekotto scraped the top of the bar with a 25-yard free-kick. There were also penalty claims from Adebayor as he went down under a challenge from Rio Ferdinand.

The crowd, who felt Atkinson was doing them no favours, went potty as he waved away appeals.

But, once more, Spurs switched off allowing United to bag a second on the hour.

Luka Modric was daydreaming at a throw-in and Nani got round the back of him.

The cross by the Portuguese winger was hacked into the air by Walker and Young produced a volley into the far corner.

United were in command now and as Spurs backed off, Young had time and space to size up a majestic curler from 25 yards which flew beyond helpless keeper Brad Friedel.

The scoreline was harsh, even United fans would have agreed with that.

But the quality of the finishing by Young was different class.

There was consolation for Redknapp with three minutes left.

Substitute Ryan Giggs uncharacteristically gave the ball away to another sub, Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.

The little striker collected, took a couple of strides forward, and walloped in a 25-yard shot which left an unsighted De Gea rooted to the spot. It reminded us that Defoe still has that eye for goal which England could find useful at the Euros.

Not that one of the potential managers will need reminding.

Sadly for Spurs, it was too late to do any serious damage to United.

Redknapp's side are now looking anxiously over their shoulders as Arsenal challenge them for third place.

What was a 10-point advantage for that automatic Champions League qualifying spot has been reduced to just four.

Meanwhile, City should be equally afraid.

The Champions are not about to let go of their crown easily.

（一个慢牛）