Ruben Amorim's Manchester United were on the brink of defeat after squandering a 1-0 lead against Tottenham, but managed to claw back a 2-2 draw in the 96th minute a thrilling encounter. Yet they lost both Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko to injury in the second half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The injury to Maguire with 18 minutes to go proved to be a turning point for the Red Devils, as they struggled to maintain their defensive solidity following his withdrawal due to a suspected hamstring issue. And substitute Sesko was later forced off to temporarily leave United down to 10 men, though Matthijs de Ligt still rescued a late draw for Amorim and co.
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Bryan Mbeumo broke the deadlock for United in the first half, with the visitors dominating much of the proceedings. However, Mathys Tel levelled the scoreline for Spurs after Maguire's departure, and Richarlison seemed to have sealed a last-minute victory. But United had other plans.
In an extraordinary turn of events, goalkeeper Senne Lammens joined the attack for a United corner in the 95th minute, allowing defender De Ligt to head home an equaliser at the far post, triggering wild celebrations among the travelling fans and silencing the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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United began the match impressively, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating play and delivering a pass to Mbeumo, who laid it across the advancing Guglielmo Vicario, though no team-mate was on hand to finish. The hosts' finest opening of the opening period fell to Richarlison, whose header lacked conviction following promising build-up play from Brennan Johnson.
However, Tottenham were punished for a defensive lapse in the 32nd minute when October's Premier League Player of the Month, Mbeumo, found the net once more. After Spurs repeatedly failed to clear the danger, a magnificent delivery from Amad Diallo located the Cameroon international, who finished clinically with a well-controlled header.
Premier League pundit and former Spurs striker Jermaine Defoe commented: "You have to stop the cross if you are Spurs. Man Utd keep it alive well, it's poor marking but it's such a controlled header."
Mbeumo, who has now netted five Premier League goals against Tottenham - equalling his highest tally versus any single opponent - remained influential after the interval, though another United colleague delivered a crucial moment when it mattered most.
Ten minutes into the second period, Tottenham's Wilson Odobert delivered a dangerous cross into the six-yard area, where defender Cristian Romero, having pushed forward, found himself with his back to goal and attempted an audacious backheel. United's summer signing Lammens produced an outstanding reflex save with his leg to deny him.
The goalkeeper was tested once more shortly after, producing a fine stop to deny Joao Palhinha, demonstrating precisely why Amorim was so determined to bring in the young Belgian to succeed Andre Onana.
Johnson believed he had drawn level just past the hour, but he was clearly offside when collecting Richarlison's pass before slotting beyond Lammens into the bottom corner. When Maguire made way for Leny Yoro in the 72nd minute, United's defensive solidity departed with him. Barely 10 minutes later, Spurs had their equaliser through a superb turn and finish from Tel.
Destiny Udogie delivered a low pass to him just inside the penalty area, and his excellent first touch set up a fierce strike high into the net. Matters deteriorated further for the visitors when Sesko also sustained an injury late on and was forced off, leaving United to complete the match with 10 men.
In the 91st minute, a Spurs corner dropped to Wilson Odobert outside the area, and his effort was diverted past Lammens by Richarlison, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance.
However, the drama continued as De Ligt rose highest to nod home from four yards out as the match entered its 96th minute.
Given they were down to 10 men at that stage, enormous praise must go to United for displaying such resilience and determination to claim a point from the encounter.