Matthijs de Ligt’s goal in the 96th minute canceled out Richarlison’s seemingly decisive strike in the 91st, as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United played out a dramatic 2–2 draw in North London on Saturday.
In this repeat of May’s Europa League final, it appeared that Rúben Amorim’s improving side would come out on top when Bryan Mbeumo scored in the 32nd minute against his former Brentford coach, Thomas Frank.
Spurs fans voiced their frustration at halftime, as the team had managed only three home league wins in 2025. However, the hosts turned the tide, with substitute Mathys Tel equalizing in the 84th minute.
When Richarlison deflected Wilson Odobert’s fierce shot into the net in the first minute of stoppage time, it seemed that Frank was finally about to earn his first major home victory in five months as head coach.
But home celebrations were short-lived, as in the sixth minute of added time, De Ligt rose to head home from a corner, earning United a 2–2 draw and extending Amorim’s unbeaten run to five matches.
Seven players from each team had also featured in that Europa League final night in Bilbao. United arrived in London in strong form after a difficult September under Amorim, while Tottenham were still seeking their first home league win since August.
Mbeumo looked threatening early on, despite being caught offside twice, but Spurs should have taken the lead in the 17th minute.
Young Xavi Simons set up Brennan Johnson, who cut inside and delivered a superb left-footed cross — only for Richarlison to send the ball wide off his shoulder.
It was a golden chance, and just five minutes later, another Brazilian forward, Matheus Cunha, came close as well.
Cunha beat Cristian Romero to enter the box, but Pape Sarr deflected his shot out for a corner.
Chances remained limited until the 32nd minute, when Amad Diallo broke the deadlock.
A careless pass from Sarr put Micky van de Ven under pressure, allowing the visitors to regain possession. Amad then played in Mbeumo, who escaped Pedro Porro and headed the ball over Vicario to score.
When Spurs finally attacked, Johnson and then Porro wasted opportunities with poor crosses, drawing boos from sections of the crowd at halftime.
The hosts woke up after the break. Substitute Odobert crossed to Romero, whose backheel effort was brilliantly saved by Janis Lämens.
Just a minute later, in the 56th, Lämens also denied João Palhinha’s half-volley.
Amorim then brought on Benjamin Šeško, and Spurs did get the ball in the net, but Johnson was flagged offside.
Thomas Frank responded by introducing Destiny Udogie, and in the 70th minute, after United captain Bruno Fernandes fired over, fans expressed frustration at Xavi’s substitution.
Frank’s joy soon returned when his substitutes combined for a goal: Odobert found Udogie, whose cross reached Tel, and the young forward smashed a fine shot into the top corner six minutes from time.
When Šeško went off injured, leaving United down to ten men, home fans sensed victory. Their hopes soared as Richarlison deflected Odobert’s cross into the net, sending the stadium into raptures.
But Amorim’s men struck in true “Fergie Time,” as De Ligt outjumped Rodrigo Bentancur to head home Bruno Fernandes’ corner past Vicario, rescuing a point for United.