Matthijs de Ligt scored a 96th-minute equaliser as Manchester United salvaged a dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run against Spurs to eight matches.
Separated by just four points at the end of last season, both sides looked evenly matched in the early stages, producing little goalmouth action. The cautious start mirrored their UEFA Europa League final encounter in May, as neither team managed a shot on target by the half-hour mark.
However, United broke the deadlock after Tottenham failed to clear their lines. Amad Diallo sent a cross from the right to the back post, where Bryan Mbeumo rose highest to head home at the near post. It was Mbeumo’s fifth goal in nine appearances against Tottenham.
Spurs responded with greater urgency after the break but were repeatedly denied by United’s goalkeeper, Senne Lammens. The Belgian made fine saves to stop Cristian Romero’s improvised finish and João Palhinha’s volley. Brennan Johnson thought he had levelled for Spurs just after the hour mark, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Bruno Fernandes reminded Tottenham of United’s counterattacking threat when he fired over after being played in by Amad. The hosts eventually found an equaliser when substitute Mathys Tel collected Destiny Udogie’s cross, turned away from De Ligt, and fired home via a deflection to make it 1-1.
Spurs appeared to have sealed victory late on when Wilson Odobert’s shot was deflected into the bottom corner by Richarlison. However, United struck back deep into stoppage time. From a Bruno Fernandes corner, De Ligt rose highest to head home and secure a point for the visitors.
The result stretched Manchester United’s unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions.