Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Matthijs de Ligt’s late header rescues Man United against Tottenham

Just as Tottenham thought they had nailed the victory, de Ligt headed home a corner kick from Bruno Fernandes to secure a draw for Man United.

• November 8, 2025
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt [Credit; Al Jazeera]

Matthijs de Ligt’s late header rescued Manchester United as the Red Devils and Tottenham settled for a 2-2 draw in their Premier League tie on Saturday.

The result extended Ruben Amorim’s side’s unbeaten run in the league to five matches. It is the first time that Man United has gone such a long time in the league without losing since the Portuguese manager took over one year ago.

October’s Premier League player of the month, Bryan Mbuemo, put Man United ahead in the 32nd minute, heading home a cross from Amad Diallo to score his sixth goal for the Red Devils.

The visitors looked to be running away with a massive win at the Tottenham Stadium, but substitute Mathys Tel dealt a huge blow to that in the 84th minute when he rocketed Destiny Udogie’s assist into the net to equalise for Tottenham.

Soon after, Man United were reduced to 10 men after Benjamin Sesko left the game abruptly due to injury and couldn’t be replaced, as the Red Devils had exhausted their substitutes.

It was a dramatic scene inside the stadium four minutes later, after forward Richarlison redirected an attempt by Wilson Odobert past goalkeeper Senne Lammens with his head to put the hosts ahead for the first time in the game.

Just as Tottenham thought they had nailed the victory, de Ligt headed home a corner kick from Bruno Fernandes to secure a draw for Man United.

Speaking after the match, Amorim said that the team showed determination despite the numerical disadvantage but noted that his players need to be more aggressive and comfortable during matches.

“To play with 10 men for 10 minutes, then to overcome everything and score, is a good thing. We were comfortable in the game, but we should do better, be more aggressive, and feel the environment in the stadium. The three points were there, and the space was there,” the coach said.

Amorim also confirmed that Sesko had an issue with his knee, adding that the club may look to sign reinforcements in the January transfer window if the player is sidelined for a long period. 

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