De Ligt scores stoppage-time header as United draw 2-2 with Spurs
MATTHIJS DE LIGT salvaged a 2-2 draw for Manchester United at Tottenham in a frantic finale as both sides missed the chance to go second in the Premier League on Saturday.
Spurs looked to have secured a dramatic victory, having trailed with six minutes to go, as Mathys Tel equalised before Richarlison headed home in the 91st minute.
However, De Ligt powered in a 96th minute header to extend United’s unbeaten run to five games.
“Luckily we got a point, I think we deserved more the way we played,” De Ligt told TNT Sports.
“I’m proud of how the team fought back and got a point at a difficult stadium.”
Both sides move onto 18 points from 11 games but goal difference separates Spurs in third from United in seventh.
The Red Devils have now failed to beat Spurs in their previous eight meetings, including a 1-0 defeat in the Europa League final in May.
As a result, Spurs qualified for the Champions League, while United missed out on European football altogether.
Despite the huge blow to the United’s finances and prestige, Ruben Amorim is making the most of having more time on the training field to finally build some momentum after a tough first year at Old Trafford.
Unlike most of United’s big money signings in recent years, Bryan Mbeumo has proved his worth since a £65 million ($86 million) move from Brentford in July.
The Cameroonian was named Premier League player of the month for October and took his tally to four goals in as many games when he headed in from Amad Diallo’s cross on 32 minutes.
Spurs come to life
Spurs were booed off after a woeful attacking display in losing a London derby 1-0 to Chelsea last weekend.
After another dreary first 45 minutes, the hosts came to life early in the second period.
Senne Lammens produced a brilliant stop to turn Cristian Romero’s flick behind.
The Belgian goalkeeper was quickly called into action again to parry Joao Palhinha’s effort.
Brennan Johnston, who scored the winner when the sides last met in Bilbao, was then denied an equaliser by the offside flag.
Tottenham’s burst of attacking threat quickly fizzled out, though, and discontent among the home fans with manager Thomas Frank showed when his decision to replace Xavi Simons was roundly booed.
However, the Spurs boss can claim his changes turned the game around.
Destiny Udogie crossed for fellow substitute Tel to turn and fire into the top corner via a deflection off De Ligt.
Wilson Odobert, introduced off the bench at half-time, then curled a shot towards the far corner that Richarlison flicked in to leave Lammens helpless.
“I take a lot of positives out of this performance,” said Frank. “There is definitely something to build on, but we want to do so much better.”
Richarlison tore off his shirt and was reduced to tears in his celebration.
Yet, it still was not enough to earn Tottenham a first home league win since the opening weekend of the season.
De Ligt was offered too much space at the back post from Bruno Fernandes’ corner and his header was too powerful for Guglielmo Vicario.
