Tottenham were unable to crown a dominant display at Manchester United with a win, but at least managed to come from two goals down. Timo Werner made his debut with an assist
Tottenham were in touch with the Champions League places, United were not – and it showed. The visitors were more active right from the start, but the record champions were nonetheless celebrating early on: Höjlund brilliantly finished a counter-attack into the near corner (3′).
Loan signing Werner, making his debut in the starting eleven, tried hard but was not always happy down the Londoners’ left wing. He had the first chance for his colors with a header in the 11th minute. More possession, more shots as time went on: Tottenham were the better team. The equalizer by Richarlison after a corner was well deserved (19th minute)
Rashford’s first home goal since May
Manchester were a little cagey at times and were content to play counter-attacking soccer – but that changed in the minutes before the break. United invested more, were aggressive and dynamic – and once again ice-cold. After a one-two with Höjlund, Rashford scored into the far corner, his first goal at Old Trafford since May (40′).
The home side’s renewed lead was only partly in keeping with the course of the game, but it was their exploitation of chances that made the difference. At the other end, Werner missed the far corner shortly before the break (45′) and Romero headed against the crossbar from a few meters out (45.+2).
As wasteful as the visitors were before the break, they were just as ruthless immediately afterwards. Werner set up Bentancur’s second equalizer in the final instance before the game was even a minute old (46′).
McTominay misses out on the win
Tottenham were even more dominant than in the first half, with United struggling to cope with an opponent who were playing without a traditional striker. That was noticeable time and again. It was still 2:2 when ten Hag made an impact by bringing on McTominay – the Scot put United back in front with a long-range shot (62′).
Manchester’s first chance in the second period suddenly opened up the game, which became a little wilder and more uncontrolled. This suited the home side, but they were still hardly able to get Höjlund on the end line. Anything seemed possible until the final minutes, when defender Dragusin also made his first appearance for Spurs – in the end, it was almost a home win: McTominay headed over from five meters out in the fifth minute of stoppage time
Tottenham remain fifth after a dominant draw, while United may remain just below the international places
