Manchester United left it late but snatched a crucial point at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, thanks to a towering header from Matthijs de Ligt in the dying seconds of a pulsating 2-2 draw on Saturday.
The Dutch defender rose highest at the far post in the 96th minute to nod home Bruno Fernandes’ corner, rescuing United from the jaws of defeat after two late Tottenham goals had turned the match on its head.
United, under Ruben Amorim, had looked the sharper side for much of the contest, especially in the opening half-hour when they dictated tempo and created the better chances despite limited possession. Their persistence paid off midway through the first half when Spurs failed to clear their lines, allowing Amad Diallo to swing in a teasing cross that found Bryan Mbeumo at the far post. The winger made no mistake, heading home against his former manager to give United a deserved lead.
Tottenham, who came into the game with one of the league’s poorest home records, struggled to find rhythm or fluency for long stretches. Yet, a late double substitution shifted the momentum dramatically. Substitute Matthys Tel levelled matters in the 84th minute with a deflected strike that wrong-footed Andre Onana, sending the home crowd to life.
Just moments later, the comeback seemed complete. Wilson Odobert’s driven effort from the edge of the box took a fortunate touch off Richarlison’s head and nestled into the corner, sparking wild celebrations as Spurs looked poised for their fifth straight victory over United.
However, Amorim’s men refused to fold. Despite being reduced to ten men after Benjamin Sesko hobbled off with all substitutions used, United continued to press. Their persistence paid off deep into added time when Luke Shaw’s clever movement freed space for De Ligt to rise unchallenged and power home a header past Guglielmo Vicario.
The result keeps Manchester United’s unbeaten run alive at five matches, moving them up to seventh in the Premier League table. Tottenham, meanwhile, climb temporarily into third but will rue their failure to see out the match after staging such an inspired comeback.
It was a contest full of drama, deflections, and determination and in the end, De Ligt’s last-gasp strike ensured both sides shared the spoils on a breathless afternoon in north London.
