If there could be any positives to take from another dismal performance, then perhaps those around Tottenham Hotspur can take refuge with the display from Emerson Royal.

The Brazilian right-back was the only shining light as Spurs were defeated 3-0 by Manchester United in their own backyard.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring six minutes before half-time with a sublime far-post volley, having already had one ruled out. He then piled more misery on Nuno Santo and his men as he turned provider, slotting in Edinson Cavani to double the advantage midway through the second half.

Then super-sub Marcus Rashford sent the home crowd into an anger-filled frenzy with a cool and collected finish past Hugo Lloris four minutes from time.

Truth be told, there was nothing encouraging about the performance and for the second game running, the Lilywhites failed to register a single attempt on goal.

However, Emerson was one player that looked like he was trying to make things happen, particularly as he enjoyed more time on the ball than any other player on the pitch. He registered a whopping 119 touches, 20 more than Spurs' next best and 38 more than United's best, as per SofaScore.

And with this influence, he certainly made an effort to try and change their fortunes.

The £26m-rated dynamo was successful in all four of his dribbling attempts (100%) along the right flank, whilst he attempted seven crosses and created one key chance.

Elsewhere, the 22-year-old summer signing from Barcelona won a whopping ten of his 12 ground duels (83%), meaning he dealt with the threat of wing-back Luke Shaw to good effect and often had the better of him, whilst he also registered four interceptions and four tackles, leading the match in both regards once again.

Nuno's right-back also earned the side two free-kicks, so it's no surprise to see that his opposite number received a yellow card for his troubles too.

According to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, the Brazilian defender has left many around the training ground really impressed.

"Those I spoke to in and around Tottenham have said that the feeling they have got about him is that he is athletically superb, his fitness levels are incredible, he’s going to motor up and down that side," he told his YouTube channel.

On the above evidence, Emerson was quite the defensive beast and nuisance in the attack for Spurs, so he was maybe the one shining light from another shocking performance under Nuno.

AND in other news, Worse than Harry Kane: Shocking Spurs lightweight who lost 80% duels endured a nightmare against United...