Premier League: United and Spurs play out pulsating draw

Manchester United 2 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs came back from behind twice in a pulsating Premier League encounter to deny Manchester United what would have been a very important victory. 

Rasmus Hojlund drove United into a third-minute lead. Richarlison then levelled with his sixth goal in as many Premier League games for the visitors. Tottenham were without three players, including captain Son Heung-min - who is away with South Korea at the Asian Cup.

Marcus Rashford took the lead for the home team before halftime, but Rodrigo Bentancur nullified the advantage a minute into the second half with a powerful shot. This marked his first goal since April, overcoming a cruciate knee ligament injury and an ankle problem during that period.

For new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who was seated alongside Sir Alex Ferguson in the directors' box, the rest of the match served as a learning experience. Manchester United had less than 40% possession, managed only nine shots compared to Tottenham's 16, and had only a third of the visitors' six shots on target.

While the draw didn't propel Tottenham above rivals Arsenal into the top four, it maintained an eight-point lead over Manchester United, who could potentially drop to 10th before their next match against Wolves on 1st February.

United v Spurs

Slightly different view today! #MUNTOT #PremierLeague #MUFC #ManUtd pic.twitter.com/QHiryzAY5R

— Mark Robinson (@mark_robinson_) January 14, 2024

Before this game, Hojlund and Rashford had collectively scored only four Premier League goals this season. Hojlund had broken his Premier League duck with a memorable winner in United's last home game against Aston Villa on 26th December.

His recent goal reflected a surge in confidence as he swiftly fired a shot into the Tottenham goal after Destiny Udogie had intervened to stop Rashford's charge across the penalty area.

Although Rashford has accomplished a lot, confidence seems to be a concern, as he has not performed at the level seen in the previous season when he surpassed the 30-goal mark. There was a hint of uncertainty when he hesitated to take a shot just before half-time, despite already finding the net once.

Manager Erik ten Hag engaged in an extended tactical discussion with Rashford midway through the second half, possibly addressing the forward's missed opportunities. Meanwhile, Tottenham's Betancur, a fan favourite, had a noteworthy day as he continued his recovery from an ankle injury that followed his return from cruciate surgery.

Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) 

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The Uruguayan's eventful day included an early effort cleared off the line and a caution for kicking the ball away after an offside call, claiming he was returning it to United. His first goal since his injury showcased excellence, with debutant Timo Werner providing the pass, and Bentancur confidently driving the ball past Andre Onana at his near post.

Gaffer 🫡 pic.twitter.com/VYyHagUJav

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2024

While a draw was the least Tottenham deserved, the debut of £25m newcomer Radu Dragusin as a late substitute was a positive note, though they hope the injury forcing off Micky van de Ven is fatigue-related after his return from a two-month absence due to a hamstring injury.

The best reaction

The We want the Glazers Out (group) Facebook page posted: "Interesting performance yesterday. Thought we looked dangerous at times going forward but didn't put enough pressure on Spurs. I think we'll look a lot better once more players have come back from injury."

The Fight for Man United FC page posted: "Yesterday's performance was interesting. Our forward and attacking play was dangerous at times, but we failed to put enough pressure on Spurs. I think we'll look much better once more players return from injury. It was great to see Lisandro Martinez back, and he should have a huge defensive impact for the rest of the season."

Greg, the resident Spurs fan for News Ball UK, gave his thoughts on the match yesterday: "We played really well, in my opinion. Especially here, being a goal down wasn't the best of starts. The response we gave was outstanding, and the football we played afterward was excellent. 

"We really controlled the game in the second half. You can tell that the team had a tough week off the field with illness and other things so this was a good point even if United aren't in the best form."

Also this weekend: Premier League: Chelsea earn narrow win over Fulham (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)