Dominic Solanke secured a dramatic 1-1 draw for ten-man Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, intensifying scrutiny on United manager Michael Carrick.
Against the run of play, Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead in the 73rd minute, but Tottenham responded with urgency after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for a headbutt on Luke Shaw. Despite playing with a numerical advantage, United failed to secure all three points, mirroring a similar lapse earlier in the season when they drew 1-0 with Manchester City despite having 10 men for over an hour.
Solanke rose to meet Sandro Tonali’s cross in stoppage time, ending Tottenham’s goal drought away from home that had lasted since May. The result leaves Spurs just outside the relegation zone in 18th place, separated from safety only by goal difference, while United remain stuck in 12th with just six points from their opening six league matches.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi had overseen a dominant performance from his side, who are still reeling from a costly start to their £300 million ($397m) summer rebuild. After dropping to the bottom of the table following the international break, the visitors created numerous chances but lacked clinical finishing. Solanke and Mohammed Kudus missed early opportunities, and the frustration was evident on De Zerbi’s face as chances continued to slip by.
United’s defensive struggles were compounded by Bentancur’s straight red card following an angry confrontation, but Carrick’s side could not capitalize on their man advantage. It was not until Carrick made a triple substitution around the hour mark that United began to threaten, with Carlos Baleba making his first start since his £70 million ($92.6m) transfer from Brighton adding energy to midfield.
Mbeumo capitalized on space afforded to him after Matheus Cunha played a through ball, firing into the far corner to briefly extend United’s lead. However, Tottenham’s persistence paid off late on, leaving United with continued league woes and another point dropped in a match where they controlled little of the overall play.
I noticed Baleba didn’t make much difference despite the hype. Is he already overrated?
£300 million rebuild and they’re still near the relegation zone? De Zerbi has a tough job ahead.
Bentancur’s red card changed everything. United had plenty of luck keeping that lead after he was sent off.
Wait, Ten-man Spurs drew? That’s almost impressive. Solanke needed that goal more than anyone.
Carrick really can’t win anything. Another draw with a man advantage shows the problem is managerial, not tactical.