Matthijs De Ligt scored in stoppage-time as Manchester United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday’s early kickoff clash.
The North London side won all four meetings between both sides in the previous campaign, including a 1-0 win in the 2025 Europa League final in May.
Victory on Saturday would have taken either side to second on the log ahead of other rounds of matches.
The game started off at a slow pace with neither side able to find their rhythm until Man United stepped up and took the lead in the 32nd minute.
A poor clearance by Micky Van de Ven allowed Amad Diallo to put in a cross into the box and Bryan Mbeumo, fresh off winning the EPL player of the month for October, headed in from close range.
The Cameroon winger could have joined former manager Thomas Frank at Spurs in the summer, but opted for a move to Old Trafford instead.
Cristian Romero was then denied from point-blank range by Man United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who produced a remarkable save to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
Lammens then denied Palhinha few minutes later, but was finally beaten in the 84th minute after De Ligt deflected an effort from substitute Mathys Tel past the goalkeeper.
Van de Ven produced a stunning tackle to deny Benjamin Sesko whose game was cut short after only coming on as a substitute, leaving Man United down to ten men with all substitutions completed.
The comeback was completed in the 91st minute, when Richarlison turned home an effort from Odobert to spark wild scenes among the home supporters.
In a twist of events, De ligt who had been at fault for the second goal, rose highest at the back post to score a late equalizer and tie the game at 2-2.
Manchester United remain seventh on the standings with 18 points, same as Spurs who are third, but are ahead on goal difference.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
