Manchester United 2-2 Tottenham: Spurs hit back twice to earn draw, miss chance to move into Premier League top four

Updated 14/01/2024 at 22:55 GMT

Tottenham twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Scott McTominay wasted a big chance in injury time to win it for United, while Spurs missed the chance to climb into the top four in the Premier League – although the draw still sees them move level on points with north London rivals Arsenal in fourth and five points off pacesetters Liverpool.

Postecoglou praise for Tottenham players after Manchester United draw - ‘It’s credit to them’

Rodrigo Bentancur earned a 2-2 draw for a depleted Tottenham who missed the chance to break back into the Premier League’s top four despite twice coming from behind in a thrilling encounter at Manchester United.

The Lilywhites dominated for lengthy spells but fell behind on three minutes as Erik ten Hag’s hosts marked a lightning start when Rasmus Hojlund rifled home a rising shot.

Tottenham responded when Richarlison made it six goals in six league matches with a clever header from Pedro Porro’s left-wing corner.

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However, Rashford ensured The Red Devils would go in at the break in front when he exchanged a one-two with Hojlund before squeezing a low effort into the far corner to net his first Old Trafford goal this season.

The lead would last a matter of seconds following the restart, however, as Bentancur took a pass on the burst from debutant Timo Werner and dragged the away side level once more.

Tottenham continued to play on the front foot but could not find the finish to some inventive attacking play. United remained a threat on the counter but the closest they came to nicking it was when substitute Scott McTominay headed over at the death.

The result sees Man United rise to seventh, eight points off fourth-placed Arsenal having played a game more. Tottenham miss the chance to rise into the top four and sit fifth behind Arsenal on goal difference.

Next up, Tottenham are in FA Cup fourth round action at home to Manchester City on Friday January 26. Manchester United also feature in the same competition two days later when they are away to Newport County or Eastleigh.

Talking Point – Ratcliffe will see positives but plenty of areas to improve

Ahead of the clash, Ineos Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe addressed the media in the United press room as he attended a match for the first time since reaching an agreement to acquire 25% of the club.

“I have done a few exciting things, but this caps it all. There’s no question about that. I’m excited to be here,” he said.

Rashford’s first home goal since May, players returning from injury and the sight of him chatting with Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands made for some form of positive viewing for United fans.

It proved to be an exciting encounter too, but Ratcliffe will leave the stadium knowing there is plenty to do to turn the club into the force it once was.

In many ways, Tottenham showed him a template of a team with a belief in their coach and a clear philosophy that appears to be heading in the right direction. United had the stronger squad on the day but were outplayed by a weakened side.

There are clearly big decisions ahead off the pitch for Ratcliffe and Co in terms of running the Football Operations, but Eric ten Hag will now need to start delivering on it as injuries begin to clear up and patience with excuses run out.

Player of the match

Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham). The midfielder capped an all-action display with a well-taken goal that secured a deserved point. Helped boss the centre of the park for the majority of the match and produced a series of important tackles and interceptions.

Player Ratings

Man Utd: Onana 6, Wan-Bissaka 7, Varane 7, Evans 7, Dalot 7, Eriksen 7, Mainoo 7, Garnacho 7, Bruno Fernandes 7, Rashford 8, Hojlund 8. Subs: McTominay 6, Martinez 6, Antony n/a.

Tottenham: Vicario 7, Porro 8, Romero 8, Udogie 7, van de Ven 8, Skipp 7, Bentancur 8*, Hojbjerg 7, Johnson 7, Richarlison 8, Werner 7. Subs: Gil n/a, Dragusin n/a, Emerson n/a.

Matchcast: Full match stats and commentary

Match Highlights

03’ – GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham (Hojlund): The Dane rifles a thunderbolt past Vicario at his near post after Tottenham failed to deal with Rashford's run into the area from the left channel.

19’ – GOAL! Man Utd 1-1 Tottenham (Richarlison): Richarlison rises highest inside a packed area to nod in Porro’s left-wing corner.

38’ – MAN UTD CHANCE! Udogie looks to guide Rashford's left-wing cross beyond his own goal but slams his header against his own post!

40’ – GOAL! Man Utd 2-1 Tottenham (Rashford): Rashford ends his barren run at Old Trafford with a lovely finish into the bottom corner after playing a delightful one-two with Hojlund in the area.

45+3’ – TOTTENHAM CHANCE! Romero throws himself at a right-wing corner but his header crashes back off the post from point-blank range.

46’ – GOAL! Man Utd 2-2 Tottenham (Bentancur): Bentancur takes Werner's pass from the left on the burst and lifts a fine finish beyond Onana.

90+5’ – MAN UNITED CHANCE! McTominay somehow nods a free header over the bar from Garnacho's cross.