BRYAN MBEUMO was a diamond in the rough as Manchester United extended their winless run against Tottenham.
Mbeumo’s well-placed header – his sixth goal of the season – looked to have been the difference before United threw away what would have been a first win against Spurs since March 2023 in an eventful finale.
Former Old Trafford target Mathys Tel smashed home a Spurs equaliser in the 84th minute before Richarlison latched onto sub Wilson Odobert’s shot in the 91st minute.
Matthijs De Ligt was left unmarked at the back post to head home a leveller at the death as United finished the game with 10-men after Benjamin Sesko limped off with no subs remaining.
Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Senne Lammens – 6
The away end’s heart sank when the ball rolled under his foot inside the first 45 seconds to concede a corner from De Ligt’s pass back.
But Lammens showed why he’s United’s sweetheart with two excellent saves in quick succession after half-time.
The first to deny Cristian Romero, before getting down to push Joao Palhinha’s strike wide. Couldn’t have done much with the goals.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Was treated to a quieter first-half with so much of the ball being played down Mbeumo’s left-hand flank.
But the Moroccan, on his first start since playing well in the Chelsea victory, is a reliable steady-the-ship type player who Amorim can rely on. Understandably hooked to manage his minutes just before the hour.
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Matthijs De Ligt – 7
De Ligt personified the drama. His header rescued a point for the visitors in the 95th minute. But around 10 minutes before his unlikely equaliser, the Netherlands defender was spun by Tel for 2-1.
Before the chaos, the former Bayern star was positive on the ball and in his press before his mistake with Tel. He lost Richarlison for a chance in the opening 15 minutes but made crucial interventions.
Harry Maguire – 6
Just as he did against fellow top-6 side Liverpool, Maguire got the nod ahead of Leny Yoro which underlined Amorim’s reshuffling approach.
After marking Randal Kolo Muani out of the game in the first-half, the No5 stood off Richarlison when Spurs were chasing an equaliser. Perhaps showed by the World Cup might be beyond his recall after again limping off injured with 20 minutes to go.
Patrick Dorgu – 3
The wing-back looked out of his depth as he struggled on his first Prem start of the season. Mbeumo and Amorim were effectively holding his hand play-by-play.
He was sloppy in possession, sent in a comical ‘long throw’ attempt, got the runaround by Brennan Johnson in the first half and couldn’t pick out his target when crossing.
Luke Shaw – 5
Not as strong in his tackles and was beaten by Xavi Simons on several occasions after stepping in the middle.
Shaw’s role in the back-three showed why Thomas Tuchel isn’t bothered about recalling him to solve England’s left-back troubles.
Casemiro – 5
The Brazil international was sloppy in possession and can’t put a ball through like he used to.
Casemiro dropped off from his recent strong showings and lost most of his duels in the second-half.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Fernandes’ slow start, like his midfield partner, was compounded by his first two awful corners. Often second to the ball in final half.
This was a weak performance from United’s main man before his last inswinging corner was met by De Ligt for the equaliser.
Bryan Mbeumo – 8
Mbeumo was worth every penny of the £71million handed to Spurs’ London neighbours Brentford. United could have done with him in Bilbao.
The Prem player of the month’s expertly placed header broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute.
After pairing so effectively with Amad on the right in the Premier League this season, Mbeumo shifted to the left hand side perhaps to work on his chemistry with Patrick Dorgu.
Everything of note came from the Cameroon star, his curling pass through the lines set Amad on his way in the first-half.
Matheus Cunha – 5
Just like he did against Liverpool, the no-nonsense Brazilian got the nod to lead the line ahead of Sesko.
So he naturally had less influence as the lone striker before his feed into Amad inside the box was crossed into Mbeumo for the opener. Cunha was also loose with his touches.
Amad Diallo – 6
Started at No10 alongside Mbeumo for the first time since the Manchester derby defeat before shifting to right-wing back after Sesko’s introduction.
Amad was part of the beautifully worked goal when his stunning inswinging cross was headed home by Mbeumo in the first 30 minutes.
But his second half was a mixed bag. The 23-year-old undid good moments, with sloppy mistakes the next.
SUBS
Sesko (for Mazraoui ‘58) – 3
Showed naivety and was weak on the ball, spurning two chances that would have cushioned United’s lead.
Mason Mount (for Cunha ‘72) – 5
Worked hard but couldn’t get on the ball to be effective.
Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro ‘72) – 3
Let Pape Sarr run past him with ease for 1-1 and kept Richarlison onside for what would have been the punch to the gut.
Diogo Dalot (for Dorgu ‘79) – 4
A non-event and unsteadied the already sinking ship.
Leny Yoro (for Maguire ’72) – 5
Did OK after coming on.