With new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in attendance, Manchester United hosted Spurs looking to build on their FA Cup win, and after twice taking the lead, it feels ultimately like points dropped as they settle for a 2-2 draw which shows some elements of positivity in attack, but defensive lapses which means United remain unbeaten for 2024 thus far, but should have been celebrating 2 wins in 2 ultimately.

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Teams

Manchester United: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans (Martinez 63′), Dalot, Eriksen (McTominay 58′), Mainoo, Rashford (Antony 88′), Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Kambwala, Casemiro, Forson, Pellistri

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario, Udogie, Van de Ven (Emerson 89′), Romero, Porro, Skipp (Dragusin 85′), Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Werner (Gil 80′), Richarlison, Johnson

Subs: Austin, Forster, Dorrington, Donley, Santiago

Manchester United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United supporters at Old Trafford were treated to an early burst of excitement as Rasmus Højlund marked his growing influence in the team by giving United the lead inside three minutes. The Dane capitalised on slack defending to fire a powerful effort past Guglielmo Vicario, setting the tone for a lively first half. However, Tottenham responded well, with Richarlison climbing highest to nod home from Pedro Porro’s corner in the 19th minute and restore parity. United regained the edge shortly before half-time when Marcus Rashford slid a composed finish beyond the Spurs keeper after a slick one-two with Højlund, sending the home crowd into raptures at the break.

The second period began in Yorkshire-style fashion with Tottenham hitting back almost immediately after the restart. Rodrigo Bentancur, supplied by debutant Timo Werner, unleashed a fierce shot that beat André Onana and levelled the score again just a minute into the half. From there, the momentum swung in Spurs’ favour as Ange Postecoglou’s side dominated possession and probed for a winner, showcasing their passing rhythm and tactical discipline. United, meanwhile, struggled to maintain their earlier spark, and despite a late headed chance from Scott McTominay in stoppage time, neither side could find a decisive breakthrough.

In the end, the 2-2 draw reflected the ebb and flow of a match that saw both teams enjoy spells of ascendancy. Erik ten Hag’s men will rue conceding twice after going ahead, a frustration he acknowledged in post-match comments, but fans also glimpsed United’s attacking potential when clicking in moments. For Spurs, the result felt like a minor victory in a hostile away setting, as they twice came from behind and controlled much of the second half. With this entertaining stalemate, both sides had reasons for encouragement and frustration as they continued their respective pushes in the Premier League.

Talking Points

One of the major talking points was the contrasting fortunes of Manchester United’s attack in each half. Rasmus Højlund’s early strike, his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford, set the tone for a bright and energetic United start, and Marcus Rashford’s well-worked second restored a confidence that had been lacking in previous weeks. Their link-up play offered a glimpse of what United’s forward line could look like when sharp and decisive, even if that fluency faded after the break.

For Tottenham, the story of the afternoon was their resilience and their growing identity under Ange Postecoglou. Twice falling behind away from home, Spurs refused to panic and instead imposed themselves with patient, structured possession. Richarlison’s clever header from a set piece and Rodrigo Bentancur’s thumping early second-half equaliser highlighted both their threat from different phases of play and the growing influence of players returning from injury. Their control after the interval also fuelled the wider talking point: Spurs looked the likelier side to win despite the score line.

Defensively, both teams raised questions. United once again struggled to manage leads, with their midfield and back line too easily bypassed when Tottenham increased the tempo. Spurs, meanwhile, were undone in key moments by individual errors and slow reactions, particularly early on. The draw ultimately sparked debates about what it meant for each team’s trajectory, United encouraged by attacking flashes but hampered by inconsistency, and Spurs showing impressive character while still searching for greater defensive solidity. The match didn’t offer definitive answers, but it did provide plenty for fans and pundits to chew over.