- Solanke Rescues 10-Man Tottenham as Manchester United Surrender Late Lead
Dominic Solanke scored a stoppage-time equaliser as 10-man Tottenham Hotspur fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, deepening the pressure on both struggling Premier League clubs.
Bryan Mbeumo appeared to have secured a much-needed victory for United when he broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute. Rodrigo Bentancur was then dismissed five minutes later for headbutting Luke Shaw, leaving Tottenham trailing and playing with 10 men.
United, however, failed to exploit their numerical advantage. Solanke headed home in the 92nd minute to secure a point for Spurs and trigger boos from sections of the home support.
Tottenham had controlled much of the first half but repeatedly failed to convert their chances. Solanke was among those guilty of missing opportunities before eventually making amends with his first goal of the season.
United struggled to establish control and took the lead against the run of play. Matheus Cunha advanced down the left and delivered a cross to Mbeumo, who turned before directing his finish into the bottom corner.
Bentancur’s dismissal appeared to place the contest firmly in United’s hands. The midfielder, who had been introduced as a substitute, was shown a straight red card following his confrontation with Shaw.
Rather than retreat, Tottenham continued pushing for an equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded when Solanke produced a glancing header in stoppage time, exposing United’s inability to manage the closing stages.
The result left United with six points from their opening six league fixtures their poorest start to a season since 1986-87. Michael Carrick’s side have also failed to win their last three Premier League matches in which their opponents received a red card.
“It’s a game we should kill off, and we didn’t,” Carrick said. “Very disappointed to be in a position like that and not come away with the game.”
Tottenham remain without a league victory after six matches but moved off the bottom of the table. Manager Roberto De Zerbi said the resilience displayed after Bentancur’s dismissal offered evidence that his players were beginning to embrace his approach.
“I am very happy because I have seen the right spirit and character,” De Zerbi said.
“We have not accepted the defeat. We have to react in all ways we can.”
The draw provided Tottenham with encouragement but did little to disguise the scale of the challenge confronting De Zerbi. Spurs have failed to win any of their opening six league fixtures despite spending more than £300m during the summer transfer window.
For United, the implications are more troubling. Leading at home against a struggling opponent reduced to 10 men presented an opportunity to stabilise their season. Their failure to protect that advantage instead reinforced concerns about game management, defensive concentration and confidence under Carrick.
