Tottenham responded with two goals to secure a draw against Manchester United, failing to capitalize on the opportunity to enter the top four of the Premier League.

Rodrigo Bentancur rescued a 2-2 draw for a depleted Tottenham side in a thrilling encounter against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Despite twice coming from behind, Tottenham missed the opportunity to break back into the Premier League’s top four.

The game got off to a lightning start as Rasmus Hojlund fired a rising shot into the net, giving United an early lead. However, Tottenham quickly responded with Richarlison scoring a clever header from Pedro Porro’s corner.

Just before halftime, Marcus Rashford exchanged a one-two with Hojlund and squeezed a low effort into the far corner, putting United back in front.

But Tottenham didn’t waste any time equalizing again after the restart. Bentancur received a pass from debutant Timo Werner and dragged the ball into the net, leveling the score once more.

Despite dominating the game, Tottenham couldn’t find the finishing touch to their attacking play. United remained a threat on the counter but failed to capitalize, with substitute Scott McTominay heading over at the end.

The result sees Manchester United rise to seventh in the league, eight points behind fourth-placed Arsenal. Tottenham, on the other hand, missed the chance to break into the top four and sit fifth, level on points with Arsenal but behind on goal difference.

Next up, Tottenham will face Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, January 26. Manchester United will also feature in the same competition two days later, away to either Newport County or Eastleigh.

Before the match, INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe addressed the media, attending a game for the first time since acquiring 25% of the club. Ratcliffe expressed his excitement about being at the stadium and acknowledged that there is plenty of work to be done to turn United into the force it once was. Tottenham, with their belief in their coach and clear philosophy, showed Ratcliffe a template of a team heading in the right direction.

Rodrigo Bentancur was named the player of the match for his all-action display, capped off with a well-taken goal that secured a deserved point for Tottenham. He bossed the center of the park, making important tackles and interceptions throughout the game.

Player Ratings:
Manchester United: Onana 6, Wan-Bissaka 7, Varane 7, Evans 7, Dalot 7, Eriksen 7, Mainoo 7, Garnacho 7, Bruno Fernandes 7, Rashford 8, Hojlund 8. Subs: McTominay 6, Martinez 6, Antony n/a.

Tottenham: Vicario 7, Porro 8, Romero 8, Udogie 7, van de Ven 8, Skipp 7, Bentancur 8*, Hojbjerg 7, Johnson 7, Richarlison 8, Werner 7. Subs: Gil n/a, Dragusin n/a, Emerson n/a.

Match Highlights:
3′ – GOAL! – Man United 1-0 Tottenham: (Hojlund). The Dane scores a thunderbolt past Vicario at his near post after Tottenham failed to deal with Rashford’s run into the area from the left channel.

19′ – GOAL! – Man United 1-1 Tottenham: (Richarlison). Richarlison rises highest inside a packed area to nod in Porro’s left-wing corner.

38′ – MAN UNITED CHANCE! Udogie looks to guide Rashford’s left-wing cross beyond his own goal but slams his header against his own post!

40′ – GOAL! – Man United 2-1 Tottenham: (Rashford). Rashford ends his barren run at Old Trafford with a lovely finish into the bottom corner after playing a delightful one-two with Hojlund in the area.

45+3′ – TOTTENHAM CHANCE! Romero throws himself at a right-wing corner but his header crashes back off the post from point-blank range.

46′ – GOAL! – Man United 2-2 Tottenham: (Bentancur). Bentancur takes Werner’s pass from the left on the burst and lifts a fine finish beyond Onana.

90+5′ – MAN UNITED CHANCE! McTominay somehow nods a free header over the bar from Garnacho’s cross.