Erik ten Hag’s side secured a draw against Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, who were unable to grab a third despite an encouraging display. Rodrigo Bentancur’s rifled effort equalised the game after Marcus Rashford put the hosts ahead at Old Trafford. Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring early, before Richarlison’s deft header put Tottenham level.
Man Utd 2-2 vs Tottenham Hotspur
Ramus Hojlund’s Smashed Opener – Man Utd Player Ratings
Erik ten Hag couldn’t have asked for a better start as Spurs suffered without the composure of Heung Min-Son and Yves Bissouma and were punished early. United pressed intensely and rushed at Postecoglou’s side, who gave the ball away in dangerous spots. Despite the tough start, Tottenham looked dangerous out wide.
Debutant Timo Werner found dangerous spaces towards the back post and needed better supply from his teammates. One effort from a Pedro Porro wide cross took a deflection and agonisingly spun wide at the far right post.
While the reds were sharp on the ball and played very well out wide, the lack of tracking from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho did leave them exposed at times. A calculated risk then, from the former Ajax boss, and it was worth a try as Spurs looked uncomfortable in the first 25 minutes.
Richarlison’s Header Put Spurs Level
Despite a bright start from the Red Devils, the North London side found themselves level from a corner. Porro’s inswinging corner found the top of Richarlison’s head, which flicked the equaliser into the right-hand side corner. The Spanish right-back had been a nightmare for Ten Hag’s side and was again the supplier of a Spurs goal.
Timo Werner was impressive in the first half, using his pace to find dangerous positions at the back post and on the left-hand side of the box. He passed well and played directly, perhaps relieved from being forced into a central striker role. Despite his best efforts, he just couldn’t find an opportunity to convert.
Marcus Rashford Puts Man Utd Ahead
Despite the increased pressure from Tottenham, United continued to look dangerous and attacked quickly. Late in the half, in the 39th minute, Spurs were dispossessed in their own half and punished swiftly. Marcus Rashford converted a wonderful lay-off with a stunning finish into the bottom corner around Vicario and several defenders, who could only watch in anguish.
He had a chance to put his side further ahead after a successful press but hesitated and took too many touches before being forced backwards by Bentancur. Both teams hit the woodwork, Romero was denied a bullet header by the crossbar, later, Udogie lost his bearings and his defensive header bounced onto his own post.
Rodrigo Bentancur Draws Spurs Level
In his first Premier League appearance in over a year, Timo Werner provided an assist. Oliver Skipp’s pass fell to him out wide before he darted to the inside of the pitch and played a ball towards Bentancur’s sharp run into the box. The Uruguayan paused, moved to his left and smashed his effort into the roof of the net, to the right of Andre Onana.
The equaliser was probably deserved but United looked exciting on the break, Scott McTominay’s dragged effort slid marginally wide in the 60th minute. As the game went on, Spurs started to tire and struggled against United’s quick offensive movement.
Neither side had enough in the tank to go on and grab a third for three points. While both sides made substitutions to energise their attacking threat, the game ended level at 2-2. The draw takes Manchester United to seventh in the Premier League, Spurs remain fifth but are now level on points with North London rivals Arsenal, who have a game in hand.
Man Utd Player Ratings
Andre Onana: 6, Aaron Wan Bissaka: 6, Jonny Evans: 6, Raphael Varane: 7, Diogo Dalot: 5, Kobbie Mainoo: 7, Christian Eriksen: 4, Bruno Fernandes (C): 7, Alejandro Garnacho: 7, Marcus Rashford: 8, Rasmus Hojlund: 8.
Substitutes- Scott McTominay (for Christian Eriksen): 6, Lisandro Martinez (for Jonny Evans): 7, Antony (for Marcus Rashford): 6
Read More: Erik Ten Hag’s Future: The Case For Keeping Him
Tottenham Player Ratings:
Guglielmo Vicario: 7 , Pedro Porro: 9, Christian Romero (C): 7 , Micky van de Ven: 7 , Destiny Udogie: 6, Pierre-Emile Hojberg: 6 Rodrigo Bentancur: 8, Oliver Skipp : 6 , Timo Werner: 7, Richarlison: 8, Brennan Johnson: 5 .
Substitutes- Bryan Gil (for Timo Werner): 6, Emerson Royal (Micky van de Ven): 6,
Man of the Match: Pedro Porro
