If this was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first real test then he passed it, as Manchester United beat Tottenham 1-0 at Wembley to earn their caretaker manager his sixth win out of six.
United registered their first win over a top-six rival this season thanks to Marcus Rashford's 44th-minute goal -- his sixth in his past nine games -- and a brilliant display by goalkeeper David De Gea.
Positives
United played away from home against a big rival and were positive. It was not a massive surprise given Solskjaer said as much in his news conference on Thursday, but it was refreshing to see United on the front foot in a big game. De Gea was the star of the show, but at the other end Hugo Lloris also had to make three very good saves.
Negatives
Solskjaer has been keen for United to tighten up at the back and so will be disappointed to have leaked so many chances. It did not matter because De Gea showed why so many think he is the world's best goalkeeper, but United's interim boss has plenty to work on.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Solskjaer picked the team that many expected with a front three of Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial, but sprang a surprise by playing Lingard through the middle. It gave Mauricio Pochettino a problem; there are not many managers who get one over on the Spurs boss.
Player ratings: (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK David De Gea, 10 -- The Spanish international made save after save, denying Harry Kane and Dele Alli among others and stopping one effort at his near post from Toby Alderweireld that he had no right to reach. De Gea's 11 saves were crucial to victory.
DF Ashley Young, 7 -- Solskjaer's system did not allow the full-backs to get forward as much as usual, but Young put one fantastic cross from the right that saw Paul Pogba test Lloris with a header.
DF Luke Shaw, 7 -- With Martial allowed to focus on going forward, United's left-back had a lot of defending to do but Kieran Tripper got very little joy down Spurs' right. Shaw's defending at the death was impressive.
DF Victor Lindelof, 7 -- Clattered by Ben Davies in the first half while covering behind Young, he was left exposed more than he would like but his positioning was good.
DF Phil Jones, 7 -- Caught out in the build-up to Harry Winks' early chance but, other than that, Jones flew into every challenge and came out on top in his battle with Kane.
MF Nemanja Matic, 7 -- Made an important block in his own penalty area from Kane in the first half but was left chasing shadows when Dele burst through after the break.
MF Ander Herrera, 7 -- Pressed Tottenham's midfield ferociously and covered well on the right, which allowed the forwards to stay high up the pitch.
MF Paul Pogba, 8 -- His wonderful pass picked out Rashford to set up United's goal, and Pogba would have scored himself but for an athletic save from Lloris, who pushed his poked shot over the bar.
FW Jesse Lingard, 7 -- Should have hit the target after Young's cross fell to him at the back post when it was 0-0 ,but playing in a false nine role, he was central to Solskjaer's tactical plan by stopping Winks getting on the ball.
FW Anthony Martial, 7 -- Had an effort saved at the near post by Lloris after a mazy run down the left. Worked hard and gave Trippier a tough afternoon.
FW Marcus Rashford, 8 -- Produced a Solskjaer-esque finish to put United 1-0 up and score in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time. One chance, one goal.
Substitutes
FW Romelu Lukaku -- Kept Alderweireld and Vertonghen occupied after replacing Martial.
MF Diogo Dalot -- Came on for Lingard and played in midfield, ahead of Young on the right.
MF Scott McTominay -- Late introduction for Pogba to close the game out.