De Ligt secures draw for Man Utd following Tottenham comeback

Matthijs de Ligt earned a 2-2 draw for Manchester United during their visit to Tottenham in an exciting conclusion, leaving both teams unable to claim second position in the Premier League on Saturday.

Tottenham appeared set for a thrilling win after being behind with only six minutes remaining, thanks to Mathys Tel's leveller and Richarlison's header in the 91st minute.

That said, De Ligt rose to head in a goal in the 96th minute, keeping United's unbeaten streak alive at five matches.

Each team now sits on 18 points after 11 fixtures, though goal difference places Tottenham third and United seventh.

Manchester United have not defeated Tottenham in their last eight encounters, yet this latest one promises to linger in the minds of Tottenham fans.

Tottenham broke their 17-year wait for silverware with a gritty 1-0 triumph in the Europa League final back in May, earning them a Champions League spot while United were left without any European action.

Even with the significant hit to United's budget and reputation, Ruben Amorim is capitalising on extra training sessions to build real progress after a challenging debut season at Old Trafford.

In contrast to many of United's expensive acquisitions lately, Bryan Mbeumo has justified his £65 million ($86 million) transfer from Brentford in July.

The forward from Cameroon earned Premier League player of the month honours for October and added to his four goals in four outings by nodding in from Amad Diallo's delivery on 32 minutes.

Tottenham faced boos from supporters after a dismal offensive performance in a 1-0 London derby loss to Chelsea the previous weekend.

Following another lacklustre opening half, the home side sparked into action soon after the break.

Senne Lammens made an excellent save to tip Cristian Romero's glance over the bar.

The Belgian shot-stopper was soon tested once more, pushing away Joao Palhinha's attempt.

Brennan Johnston, scorer of the decisive goal in their prior clash in Bilbao, saw a potential equaliser ruled out for offside.

Tottenham's sudden surge in pressure soon faded, and frustration towards boss Thomas Frank was evident when fans jeered his substitution of Xavi Simons.

Nevertheless, the Tottenham manager could point to his adjustments as the turning point.

Destiny Udogie supplied a cross for substitute Tel, who spun and shot into the upper corner, aided by a touch off De Ligt.

Wilson Odobert, who entered at the interval, bent a cross that Richarlison nodded past Lammens to stun the keeper.

The Brazilian ripped off his jersey and broke down in tears during his celebrations.

Still, this was not sufficient for Tottenham to record their first home league victory since the season's start.

De Ligt found ample room at the far post from Bruno Fernandes' corner, and his powerful header proved too much for Guglielmo Vicario.