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Redknapp targets third place after United defeat

Wayne Rooney's opener was against the run of play © PA Photos

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Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was at a loss to understand how his side lost 3-1 to Manchester United despite being on top for large parts of the game.

Emmanuel Adebayor had a goal disallowed before Wayne Rooney gave United the lead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time despite Spurs dominating the first half. A second-half brace from Ashley Young put the game beyond Spurs before Jermain Defoe's late consolation.

The result saw United close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to two points, while third-placed Spurs are now 11 points behind United and four ahead of rivals Arsenal - having been ten clear before last Sunday's defeat in the North London derby.

"I couldn't believe we came in 1-0 down [at half-time]," Redknapp said. "It was everything we worked on during the week, Jake Livermore and Sandro were top class. Really there was only one team who should have been in front at half-time and we came in 1-0 down.

"I couldn't have asked more from the players. Sometimes you need the luck and we didn't get any today. There was nothing much we could change, the two lads (Livermore and Sandro) dominated against (Paul) Scholes and (Michael) Carrick.

"We just needed a break but when you're 2-0 down thinking you have bossed the game, mentally it's difficult.''

Asked about Adebayor's disallowed goal, Redknapp added: "I thought it was a bit harsh, we had the same type of goal against Stevenage (disallowed) when the ball hit Scott Parker (who was ruled offside). I thought it could have counted but it was not to be.''

Redknapp insisted the mood was still upbeat at the club and is determined Spurs will end the season in third place, which carries automatic qualification for the Champions League group stage.

"We had a meeting on Friday and I said they had been a credit all season," he said. "We've been on an incredible run and just had a blip last weekend against Arsenal. I want to finish third, I want to finish above Arsenal and Chelsea. That's what we're capable of doing and that's where I want us to be.''

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