Manchester United managed to rescue a point against Tottenham Hotspur as Rúben Amorim’s men drew 2-2 with Thomas Frank’s side on a Saturday afternoon Premier League tie.
Rúben Amorim chose to start Matheus Cunha as the striker as Manchester United travelled to North London to face Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.
The tie started on a mixed opening 30 minutes, with the home team retaining the majority of possession but neither side registering a shot on target. Bryan Mbeumo then opened the scoring for Amorim’s Reds with a header from close range courtesy of a fantastic cross by Amad.
With United heading into the break with a precious lead, Spurs came out swinging for the second 45 minutes, and Senne Lammens had to make a few quick-reaction saves to keep Frank’s side at bay, with Brennan Johnson having a goal ruled out for offside with around half an hour to play.
Both sides made a whole host of changes as Amorim looked to secure his lead and Frank looked for a breakthrough, and it was substitute Mathys Tel who levelled the game for the home side with seven minutes to play.
In added time, Tottenham thought they had their winning goal through Richarlison, but a towering header from Matthijs de Ligt with just moments left saw the points shared in North London.
#1 – Amorim continuing to tinker with the XI
Over the last six weeks, it has become apparent that the United head coach is much more willing to change his starting teams depending on the opposition. Against Tottenham, having Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui on the flanks added defensive solidity.
United’s first half saw the team execute their game plan almost perfectly, despite the three changes to the starting team, and they performed well in the second half too, until Spurs were able to equalise and eventually take the lead.
For the most part, his selections are improving, but there needs to be more consistency in the back line to maintain clean sheets.
#2 – Mbeumo could be signing of the summer
The 2025 Premier League summer transfer window was marked by major transfers, with Liverpool breaking the British transfer record twice and Newcastle making multiple moves exceeding £50 million.
While some have hit the ground running, it’s hard to argue that any have been as good as Mbeumo has for United. His opening goal against Tottenham was his sixth this season, and yet another goal that had a significant impact on the scoreline.
Aside from his goal, Mbeumo continued to be the spearhead of United’s attacking line and has to be considered one of the best signings of last summer.
#3 – The floor of United’s quality is up, but problems remain
Last season, there were too many fixtures where United’s side fell to cheap losses due to a lack of quality across the pitch, but this season, it’s levelled up big time.
While the additions of those such as Cunha and Mbeumo have a significant part to play in this, the continued improvement of the likes of Casemiro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Amad in the last few months has been fantastic.
However, it’s so clear that problems remain. Too often, the club have made life hard for themselves. Conceding twice against Forest, two late goals against Tottenham – it has to be sorted out.
#4 – Gave Tottenham too much respect
While United executed their game plan well for the most part, as mentioned above, ultimately, Amorim’s big mistake was that he gave too much respect to Frank’s side.
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Tottenham have been fantastic away from home, and their 4-0 win in the Champions League midweek was a mood-lifter. However, their domestic form at home has been so poor, and United should have taken advantage.
Ultimately, United were able to bring in a point away from home, but against a side that has fed points to so many others in the league this season, it’s disappointing not to see the Reds secure all three.
#5 – The streak remains intact, just
With De Ligt’s last-minute goal saving a point for Amorim, that’s certainly a positive to take, as well as this making it five games unbeaten for the Reds.
Last season’s biggest challenge was the lack of consistent results, but with five games unbeaten under Amorim, this gives rise to the belief that the Portuguese head coach is building something more consistent at the club.
United’s upcoming run is a favourable one, with the Reds taking on the likes of Everton, Crystal Palace, West Ham, and Wolves; however, they must stay strong and avoid slipping back into old habits.
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