Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United shared four goals in a game that exposed Tottenham's frailties. Spurs really ought to have taken the lead, Richarlison spurning a guilt-edged chance with his head. Yet it was United who took the lead with a similar opportunity. Amad Diallo clipped the ball towards the back post for Bryan Mbeumo, who, having pulled away from Pedro Porro, headed the ball in. Overall, United looked more organised than Spurs, in a first half that was devoid of any real quality, much like last season's Europa League final.
Spurs did improve in the second-half, even if the game in general maintained a level lacking in the contest one would come to expect in a clash between these two teams. Although there was little evidence to suggest a Spurs equaliser, it did come with eight minutes left. Mathys Tel, fresh off of the bench, with the goal. Only moments before there were a few boos at the decision to take Xavi Simons off, but Tel's goal very much vindicated Thomas Frank's decision.
As the closing moments approached, United were reduced to 10 men when Sesko had to come off injured. Having already made their five substitutions, they could not bring on a replacement. It was telling. Although he'd had a poor game, it was Richarlison who looked to have scored an injury-time winner. There was to be further drama though, with Matthijs de Ligt scoring a headed equaliser deep into injury time.
Match Highlights
Spurs Player Ratings
GK: Guglielmo Viacario - 6/10
Not at fault for the United goal.
RB: Pedro Porro - 5/10
Didn't track the run of Mbeumo from a slow-hit cross that saw Spurs go a goal down. This summed up his afternoon.
CB: Cristian Romero - 4/10
Looked off the pace at times and that was indicative of the home team's play. Made a succession of poor and reckless decisions.
CB: Micky van de Ven - 6/10
He looked rattled at times and had difficulty getting himself into the game.
LB: Djed Spence - 6/10
Looked vulnerable at times, such was the level of performances from his defensive colleagues.
DM: Joao Palhinha - 6/10Had work to do with Spurs looking so vulnerable at times.
DM: Pape Sarr - 6/10
Solid without being spectacular, which was very much the overall theme of the game.
RW: Brennan Johnson - 6/10
Offered Spurs a vital outlet down the right flank, had a goal ruled out for offside.
AM: Xavi Simons - 6.5/10
At times, he looked like the home side's brightest player without ever quite finding the killer ball or moment.
LW: Richarlison - 5/10
The Brazilian really ought to have done better in front of goal with the game goalless. Just really poor overall, even though he thought he had the last laugh with the winner.
CF: Kolo Muani - 6/10
Competed well with Harry Maguire but brought off at half-time.
SUB: Wilson Odobert - 6/10
Wasn't really able to shine, but very few players were able to do so in this game.
SUB: Destiny Udogie - 6.5/10
Put in the cross for the equaliser.
SUB: Rodrigo Bentancur - 5/10
Battled away in a fairly dreadful game.
SUB: Mathys Tel - 6/5/10
Was in the right place and time to score the Spurs equaliser.
Manchester United Player Ratings
GK: Senne Lammens - 8/10
Largely untroubled in the first half, but showed his quality with a very good save to deny Romero.
RB: Matthijs de Ligt - 6.5/10
A solid if unspectacular presence in the United back-line.
CB: Harry Maguire - 7/10
Relished the opportunity to compete with the rangy Kolo Muani.
LB: Luke Shaw - 7/10
Used all his experience to maintain that defensive unit with de Ligt and Maguire.
RM: Noussair Mazraoui - 6/10
Prepared to drop in and help United maintain a solid back five at times.
CM: Casemiro - 6.5/10Not his best ever performance but contributed in a way which saw United edge the first half.
CM: Bruno Fernandes - 6.5/10
Not on the ball as much as he normally is, but dug in during a game very much lacking in real quality.
LM: Patrick Dorgu 6/10
Put in a shift down the left as United looked to maintain a clean sheet.
RW: Amad Diallo - 7.5/10
A real thorn in Tottenham's side, always looking to receive the ball and provided the cross for United to open the scoring.
LW: Bryan Mbeumo - 7/10
Showed good poise and technique to open the scoring, something he seems to enjoy doing versus Spurs.
CF: Mattheus Cunha - 6/10
Looked lively in spells, but frankly, this game will not be long remembered.
SUB: Benjamin Sesko - 6/10
Made himself available with some quick runs, but had to come off injured.
SUB: Mason Mount - 6/10
Looked to make forward balls into the path of Sesko.
SUB: Manuel Ugarte - 6/10
Looked to get his foot on the ball, but the game remained a scrappy affair.
SUB: Leny Yoro - 6/10
Quickly found himself in a wrestling match with Richarlison.
SUB: Diogo Dalot - 5/10
Cameo appearance for the last 10 minutes.