Manchester United surrendered a valuable Premier League victory after Dominic Solanke scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn 10-man Tottenham Hotspur a dramatic 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo had fired United ahead in the 73rd minute before Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur received a straight red card following an altercation with Luke Shaw.
However, United failed to take advantage of the extra player. Solanke rose above Lisandro Martínez in the 92nd minute and guided Sandro Tonali’s cross beyond goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The result left both teams searching for answers after difficult starts to the new Premier League season.
Tottenham Dominate the Opening Stages
Tottenham arrived at Old Trafford without a league victory, but Roberto De Zerbi’s side looked more confident during the first half.
United nearly gifted the visitors an early goal when Lammens played a poor pass out of defence. Lucas Bergvall won possession before the ball reached Solanke, whose effort was stopped by the United goalkeeper.
Bergvall later fired wide from the edge of the penalty area, while Mohammed Kudus wasted another promising chance following an impressive Tottenham passing move.
The visitors continued to find space as United struggled to control midfield. Conor Gallagher also found himself in a dangerous position shortly before half-time, but Youri Tielemans produced an important challenge.
Although Spurs controlled long periods, their failure to score kept the match level. United managed only occasional counterattacks and received a frustrated reaction from sections of the Old Trafford crowd.
Carlos Baleba Makes His United Debut
The contest became more balanced after the break, particularly following the introduction of Carlos Baleba.
The midfielder made his long-awaited Manchester United debut shortly before the hour mark. His energy and willingness to move the ball forward immediately gave the home side more purpose.
Tottenham still threatened, though. Solanke sent an effort over the crossbar after meeting a low Sávio delivery, while Kobbie Mainoo made an important block to deny the Brazilian later in the half.
United gradually began playing with more urgency. Bruno Fernandes found more space, while Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo started combining closer to the Tottenham penalty area.
That improvement finally produced the opening goal.
Bryan Mbeumo Breaks the Deadlock
United went ahead in the 73rd minute through a clinical finish from Mbeumo.
Cunha collected the ball on the left before finding Mbeumo inside the area. The forward turned quickly and sent a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner beyond Antonin Kinsky.
The goal came against the general run of play, but it appeared to place United on course for only their second league victory of the season.
Tottenham’s position became even more difficult when Bentancur was dismissed shortly afterwards.
The midfielder launched into a forceful challenge near Shaw. Although he appeared to win the ball, the United defender reacted by pushing him away. Bentancur then moved his head towards Shaw during the confrontation, sparking a melee involving players from both teams.
Referee Stuart Attwell showed Bentancur a red card. Shaw and Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke were booked following the incident.
Solanke Rescues Tottenham
United had an opportunity to finish the match when Mbeumo went in search of his second goal, but Kinsky made an important save.
Instead of using their numerical advantage to control possession, United allowed Tottenham to remain in the contest. De Zerbi’s players continued attacking and were rewarded two minutes into the eight minutes of added time.
Tonali delivered a floated cross from the left. Solanke showed greater strength than Martínez and directed a glancing header into the far corner.
Lammens could only watch as the ball crossed the line, silencing most of Old Trafford and sparking celebrations in the visiting section.
The goal was Solanke’s first of the season and Tottenham’s first away league goal of the campaign.
Pressure Increases on Michael Carrick
United manager Michael Carrick admitted his team should have finished the match after taking the lead and gaining a numerical advantage.
His side has collected only six points from its opening six league matches. It is United’s worst start to a league campaign since the 1986/87 season.
United have also failed to win their last three Premier League matches in which their opponents received a red card. That statistic will increase concerns about the team’s ability to control decisive moments.
The Red Devils remain 12th with only one league victory, which came against Ipswich Town. Their next challenge is a Champions League trip to face Atlético Madrid before travelling to Leeds United.
Tottenham Show Spirit but Remain Winless
Tottenham remain without a victory after six Premier League matches, something that has happened only four times in the club’s history.
However, their performance offered De Zerbi some encouragement. Spurs created the better chances, dominated the opening half and refused to accept defeat after losing Bentancur.
The point moved Tottenham off the bottom of the table, but they remain 18th with three points. De Zerbi must now turn improved performances into victories if Spurs are to escape the relegation places.
For Tottenham, Solanke’s equaliser represented a show of character. For United, it was another painful example of a match slipping away when victory appeared secure.
