It was hard to believe this was the same Spurs that collapsed so pitifully and completely at Bolton on Saturday.
The sloppy passing was replaced by quickfire exchanges that had United chasing white-shirted shadows.
A lack of conviction at the Reebok was substituted by a burning desire that proved simply too hot for Sheffield United.
Keane was irresistible, Teemu Tainio compelling and they ran the game. Pat Sheehan, The Sun
Dimitar Berbatov was untouchable as Tottenham proved they are a class act after all.
This performance oozed class, Spurs dominated the first half and weathered the storm during the first 20 minutes of the second period before finishing with a flourish.
The class was undoubtedly there as Spurs had lift-off, the sorry opening-day defeat at Bolton forgotten. Darren Lewis, Daily Mirror
Michael Dawson showed his class. Bill Edgar, The Times
Didier Zokora was always a menace. Matt Scott, The Guardian
On Tottenham's threat going forward:
United had no answer to Dimitar (Berbie) Berbatov's power, Aaron Lennon's trickery or Spurs' pace.
And Robbie Keane turned in a stunning display as well. Pat Sheehan, The Sun
Aaron Lennon left sorry Blades trailing in his wake with a devastating display of pace, touch and vision.
But in a photo-finish for Man of the Match, it was Berbatov who prevailed. The goals were quality, the winning margin should have been even wider. Darren Lewis, Daily Mirror
Tottenham were better from top to bottom, from Dimitar Berbatov, impressing on his home debut, to Aaron Lennon.
Throw in the vision of Robbie Keane and the sharp-shooting of Jermain Defoe, a late substitute, and, after the poverty of their performance in defeat at the Reebok Stadium, Tottenham demonstrated attacking riches aplenty. Bill Edgar, The Times
Dimitar Berbatov was a model of industry in leading the Spurs line, he gave an intelligent, energetic all-round attacking display.
With Robbie Keane terrific in the first half, Aaron Lennon outstanding on both flanks and Jermain Defoe emerging from the bench to test the reflexes of the excellent Paddy Kenny, many avenues of attack criss-crossed the Lane. Yet for all the shimmering speed of Lennon, clever movement of Keane, and predatory touch of Defoe, the eye kept coming back to Berbatov.
Berbatov also boasted an aerial strength which served Spurs well in attack and at defending corners. He immediately made light of the presence of three centre-halves ranged against him.
Neil Warnock's decision to field Leigh Bromby, David Unsworth and Chris Morgan to combat Spurs' central threat swiftly imploded, partly because Keane kept dropping deep but primarily because Berbatov was such a handful and Lennon was stretching them out wide.
Spurs were relishing the space ceded them and were clearly stung by the memory of Saturday's defeat by Bolton.
A combination of confidence and pace embarrassed their opponents.
Lennon informed the programme that his haircuts are a collaboration between him and his barber - "we both put some ideas forward and go from there". A bit like Lennon and Keane last night. Henry Winter, The Daily Telegraph
A kaleidoscope of attacking movement was on display as Spurs displayed resilience and penetration.
David Sommeil and Chris Armstrong were employed as wing-backs either side of a three-man defence but even what invariably became a five-man backline could not legislate for Aaron Lennon.
Berbatov put his slight build to good use as the Blades were sheathed for most of the game.
Jermain Defoe rose from the bench and twice stung Paddy Kenny's palms. Matt Scott, The Guardian
Berbatov grafted for the whole evening in what proved an accomplished introduction to White Hart Lane. He was accompanied spectacularly by Aaron Lennon.
From Berbatov to Lennon raiding the right wing, White Hart Lane could believe at last their season had started after the defeat to Bolton on Saturday.
Robbie Keane was the third key character in a dominant Tottenham performance, often dropping deep to collect possession in the first half and outmanoeuvring the opposition.
There was a pitiless tide of Tottenham attacks. Destruction came down their left flank also, delivered by Lennon. Sam Wallace, The Independent
On the newly promoted visitors:
Blades made a significant second-half improvement but by then the game was over.
United refused to buckle under the sheer weight of Tottenham's turbo-charged attacks.
But their own forays forward were not quick enough or clever enough to rattle the home side's backline. Pat Sheehan, The Sun
United managed to tighten up at the back (after the early goals) but in turn they rarely threatened the Tottenham goal. Bill Edgar, The Times
United were outplayed. Henry Winter, The Daily Telegraph
United were poor. Matt Scott, The Guardian