Dominic Solanke scored in stoppage time to earn Tottenham a deserved point against Manchester United, who were outclassed in front of a frustrated Old Trafford crowd.
Bryan Mbeumo had put the hosts ahead on 70 minutes, a shock given the level of Tottenham's dominance, which had prompted jeers from the home fans throughout. United looked set for three points, especially after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off, but Solanke headed home with 92 minutes on the clock.
Tottenham's Dominance and United's Jeers
In the opening exchanges, Tottenham looked like the team they dreamed they would be under Roberto De Zerbi, dominating the ball and territory, albeit aided in part by United themselves. The hosts seemed intent on self-harm, playing out from their own box, which gifted Solanke a one-on-one chance he failed to convert. Senne Lammens needed quick feet shortly after as he came under pressure again.
The Old Trafford crowd, not prepared for another abject display, began jeering as Tottenham came forward in waves. Those boos peaked when Lammens booted a clearance straight out of play. United steadied the ship as the game went on, but it was a shock that it was goalless at half-time, with the home supporters ensuring the Red Devils walked off to a chorus of boos.
Second-Half Drama and Red Card
Tottenham's onslaught continued, with Savio racing to the byline only for his cutback to be cleared. Solanke missed his second chance minutes later, firing over, leaving De Zerbi feeling like he should laugh or cry. That feeling was emphasised when Mbeumo converted in front of the Stretford End.
The Tottenham boss saw his team finish with ten men as his midfielder was dismissed for a clash with Luke Shaw, but Solanke headed home in stoppage time to secure the point.
Old Trafford Turns as Cracks Exposed
United are renowned for patience, but every fanbase has a breaking point. It takes a lot to boo one of their own, as seen by their long support of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Michael Carrick tasted the Old Trafford jeers after United squandered a 2-0 lead to lose against Brighton in the Carabao Cup weeks ago.
During their shocking first-half showing against Tottenham, the boos came as Tottenham continued to dominate, reaching boiling point midway through the opening 45. United rallied and improved as the half went on, but the supporters are now willing to let the players and the boss know. Against any other team, this game would have been done on the hour.
Where's the Money Gone?
Former players and pundits have long wondered where the tens of millions went. United have spent heavily since Sir Alex Ferguson, but investment has often not been reflected in the squad due to overpaying or poor recruitment direction. Last summer's spending on the attack seemed smart, a rarity for United.
Yet 12 months on, that feeling is back. Over £150million was spent on midfield options, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba arriving. There have been injury issues, but Tielemans isn't looking as he has in recent years, and Santos is struggling for minutes. Their engine room was constantly overrun, and after a few games, those transfer decisions are already being questioned.
Pretty Football Doesn't Win Games
Watching Tottenham in the opening 20 minutes was similar to watching Manchester City during Pep Guardiola's first season when they were purring. City quickly adopted Guardiola's principles, dominating the ball and winning it back quickly, but Guardiola bemoaned their inability to turn dominance into goals. Tottenham did everything but score, and converting chances requires a killer instinct they are struggling with, although this was a display they can be proud of.
