Man United 2-2 Tottenham – Premier League: Sir Jim Ratcliffe witnesses a thriller as Bentancur earns Spurs a point after Hojlund and Rashford struck

Man United and Tottenham have shared the spoils at Old Trafford after Spurs twice came back from being a goal down.

The visitors dominated possession and had the better share of chances, but United still looked dangerous on the counter attack.

An early goal from Rasmus Hojlund was cancelled out by Bentancur before Marcus Rashford added another.

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Speaking to Match of the Day, Ange Postecoglou said:

‘You always want to win games but I couldn’t be prouder of the players. They have had to deal with a fair bit this week and to put on a performance like that… I thought the way we handled the game was outstanding.

‘They are a good team on the counter. For the most part we dealt with it OK. Our response to both of their goals was outstanding and I thought in the second half we were the better side and deserved to win’.

Scott McTominay missed a crucial chance to gift Manchester United all three points in the dying moments against Tottenham.

Erik ten Hag’s side shared the spoils with Spurs at Old Trafford in an enthralling 2-2 draw.

But the Red Devils could have snatched a win with just seconds remaining of the match when Alejandro Garnacho delivered an inviting cross into the box.

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He might not have got on the scoresheet during his return to Premier League football but Timo Werner showed a lot of promise in his Spurs debut.

The German set up Bentancur’s all-important equaliser for Tottenham and was full of energy down the left-hand side at Old Trafford.

If he can build on this promising start, Daniel Levy may end up activating that option-to-buy clause sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, Radu Dragusin also made his debut for the north London side and looked relatively assured in his brief cameo.

Well, it’s not the result that he would’ve wanted but it’s safe to say that Sir Jim Ratcliffe surely enjoyed his first trip to Old Trafford since his partial takeover.

The British billionaire watched on alongside United legend Sir Alex Ferguson as United earned a point in the four-goal thriller.

If he didn’t know what he was signing up for, he does now.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said:

‘We’ve watched an away team that were better and the away team were without five or six players.’

It’s all over at Old Trafford and there’s nothing to separate the two sides after a frantic Premier League fixture on Sunday night.

Rasmus Hojlund got the ball rolling with his thumping effort inside three minutes before Richarlison levelled for the visitors.

Marcus Rashford restored United’s lead just before half-time but that was, arguably, the last time the hosts threatened Spurs’ goal.

The visitors levelled inside the first minute of the second-half and continued to dominate the proceedings.

Injury-struck Spurs deserved at least a point, meanwhile Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be delighted to have witnessed such an thrilling clash in his first match since his partial takeover.

What an opportunity to seal the win for United but McTominay can’t divert his header on target.

The Scotland international was left unmarked in the middle of the penalty area but still managed to fire the effort over the bar. Disappointing.

Will someone steal all three points for their side in the final moments?

Micky Van de Ven is replaced by Emerson Royal. He looks to be in some discomfort as he leaves the field.

Marcus Rashford is replaced by Antony.

Radu Dragusin replaces Oliver Skipp.

The hosts are certainly looking to find a winner here and have a great opportunity to do so, after Rashford is brought down by Porro on the edge of the box…

Fernandes goes for goal, despite the tight angle, but watches as it hits a white shirt and deflects out of the box.

Bryan Gil replaces Timo Werner.

Can anyone find a winner at Old Trafford? Spurs look the more likely but they also look suspectible to a United counter-attack.

The home crowd are growing restless after a lack of quality from United in the second-half, but can they muster one final push to earn all three points?

United fans gave out a huge cheer as he made his way onto the pitch and it’s clear to see why after some outstanding play by Martinez.

The Argentine sweeps across to take the ball away from Johnson before neatly popping it between the Spurs winger’s legs and earning a throw.

Lisandro Martinez replaces Jonny Evans.

The substitute nearly makes an instant impact as he drives an effort just wide of the goal. That would’ve been some way to introduce himself into the match.

Scott McTominay replaces Christian Eriksen

Well, Erik ten Hag’s side just can’t seem to get going in this second-half yet. The hosts have found themselves sitting back and chasing the ball, more often than not, in these opening ten minutes.

Spurs have had 78 per cent possession since the break, which says a lot.

It’s only been 50 seconds and Spurs have got themselves level! The visitors went from one end to the other with ease before Werner laid it off for the Uruguayan to smash home.

Bentancur provided some neat footwork inside the box before unleashing the strike off, which gave Onana no chance.

That must’ve been some half-time team-talk, mate.

We’re back underway for the second-half!

Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Jim Ratcliffe were seen deep in conversation with one another at Old Trafford prior to Sunday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham.

The British Billionaire is in attendance for his first Manchester United match since his 25 per cent investment in the 13-time Premier League champions was confirmed.

Ratcliffe’s INEOS team will take sporting control of the club’s operations and wholesale changes once their investment is ratified by the Premier League.

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We’re at the break and it’s the hosts who have the lead thanks to Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.

The Dane opened the scoring with a thumping effort inside the first three minutes before Richarlison pulled the visitors back on level terms.

It seemed as though Ange Postecoglou’s side were growing in confidence in the game before Rashford scored with a neat finish.

It’s the sort of performance that will have pleased Erik ten Hag, who knows that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is watching on from the stands.

The Argentine risest highest at a corner and smashes a header against the United crossbar. Genuinely, it was met with such force that there could be some damage done to the frame of the goal.

Another opportunity for the Tottenham debutant to open his account but he can’t steer his effort on target.

The German found himself one-on-one with Dalot and, after shifting it onto his left-foot, tried to find the bottom corner but couldn’t.

Must be said, it’s strange seeing him in lilywhite.

Marcus Rashford restores Man United’s lead with a beautiful finish into the bottom corner! He’s tries a one-two with Hojlund and collects the ball before rifling an effort into the net.

Astoundingly, it’s his first goal at Old Trafford for United since May and one that could prove crucial for ten Hag’s side tonight.

Well, the visitors have certainly settled into this one now and are dominating possession of the ball.

United have got almost everyone behind the ball, currently, and it’s making it hard for Spurs to breakthrough.

You get the feeling, however, that they might eventually pick the lock to the United defence.

It’s been a bit back-and-forth in the last ten minutes here, with both sides throwing bodies forward but without a clear-cut chance to show for it.

Johnson drove a lot effort at goal which was easily claimed by Onana before Rashford broke down the other end but smashed a cross into Vicario’s arms, to the disappointment of an unmarked Hojlund.

The Brazilian’s header at Old Trafford sees him take his tally to six goals in his last six Premier League appearances. Prolific.

The United full-back picks up a yellow for a reckless challenge on Spurs’ Johnson. It’s getting fiesty at Old Trafford.

Richarlison has brought Tottenham level with a deft header! The Brazilian rises highest at a corner and flicks an effort into the far corner to bring Ange Postecoglou’s side level.

Arguably, you could say it’s been coming with the way the visitors have grown into this one.

Positive stuff from Tottenham. The German forward floats a header at goal which is diverted behind for a corner, after some good work from Johnson.

From that set-piece, Bentancur flicks a header at goal but it’s cleared off the line!

Erik ten Hag – and Sir Jim Ratcliffe – will be delighted with the opening stages of this one. United are enjoying a lot of the ball, while Spurs are struggling to find their rhythym.

The visitors have just managed an effort on goal, via Pedro Porro, but a deflection takes it comfortably into Onana’s arms.

What a start for the hosts and for that man Rasmus Hojlund! United struck Spurs on the counter as Rashford was released down the left-hand side.

He works his way inside and tries to work an effort but, instead, the ball falls to Hojlund, who smashes it into the foot of the net. What a goal!

Pre-match, Roy Keane called on him to deliver and it seems he’s done exactly that.

We’re underway at Old Trafford!

The atmosphere is building and the players are ready. This has all the makings of another thrilling Premier League match-up between these two sides.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said:

‘You can’t keep waiting for players.These players have got to have the desire to score. He’s not showing it. He’s missing a lot of clear-cut chances.

‘For a club like Man Utd, you can’t keep waiting. That desire and hunger to put the ball in the net, I don’t see it.’

While Ange Postecoglou’s side have been struck be plenty of injuries recently, they’ve also welcomed the return of central defender Micky Van de Ven.

The Netherlands international has been out of action for two months with a hamstring injury but makes his return at a crucial time for Spurs.

Centre-back partner Cristian Romero also makes his return to the line-up, with new signing Radu Dragusin on the bench.

The hosts make their way out of the tunnel to get their pre-match preparations underway.

It’s set to be a chilly night at Old Trafford, as you can tell by the multiple snoods on show.

Timo Werner has been handed his Spurs debut tonight.

Darts sensation Luke Littler is also at Old Trafford this evening.

He memorably reach the final of the World Championship aged just 16 at Alexandra Palace and will undoubtedly have a bright future.

United extended an invitation and Littler fulfilled a childhood dream by appearing down by the dugouts as the club’s guest of honour.

A special shirt emblazoned with ‘The Nuke’ and ‘180’ was given to him.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has certainly been busy since arriving.

He briefly popped into the press room to answer questions and then headed past the dugouts and into the Old Trafford stands.

Ratcliffe even found the time to take a picture with a supporter.

Anticipation is certainly building around this ground now.

Speaking to the media at Old Trafford, Sir Jim Ratcliffe said…

‘I am very excited to be here, but I can’t answer any questions really… It’s a big match. We normally do well against Spurs.

‘Correct [most exciting thing he’s ever done]. Yes. I have done a few exciting things but there is no question. It’s taken a few turns, as you know, but these things take some doing.

‘[It will be completed] early to mid-February. Hopefully, they don’t find anything dodgy on our CV!’

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is at Old Trafford and popped into the press room.

This is his first visit to the ground since his 25 per cent stake in United was confirmed and he will watch this match up inside the stands.

Will he like what he sees, I wonder?

Erik ten Hag will certainly hope so…

Starting XI: Vicario, Porro, van de Ven, Romero, Udogie, Skipp, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Johnson, Richarlison, Werner

Substitutes: Dragusin, Gil Salvatierra, Emerson, Forster, Austin, Alonso, Donley, Dorrington

Starting XI: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford

Substitutes: Bayindir, Heaton, Kambwala, Martinez, Casemiro, Forson, McTominay, Pellistri, Antony

Writing in today’s programme, Erik ten Hag struck an optimistic tone…

There is a strong sense of optimism inside the club. I can feel it, both here and at Carrington. We have a clear direction and high ambitions, for this season and beyond. Once the deal for new investment in the club has been completed, we can all look forward to working together to carry Manchester United forward.

Stick with us! Just 10 minutes to go now until both teams drop.

Will Erik ten Hag be tempted to shuffle his underwhelming pack?

Could Timo Werner be thrown in right from the off?

We’ll find out very shortly.

This was a transfer that came from absolutely nowhere.

It’s somewhat ironic, too, that Timo Werner is set to make his Tottenham debut against a club that were reportedly also keen.

He travelled down with the team to their hotel last night.

What sort of impact can he make (if he does play, that is)?

This will be a very welcome sight for Man United supporters.

It looks as though both Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez are in the squad following on from Erik ten Hag’s confirmation yesterday.

The boss had confirmed that the duo would be available.

It’s unlikely they’ll slot straight back in but we’ll see!

Hello, all! Happy Sunday.

Welcome along to Mail Sport’s live coverage of the big evening showdown. Yes, that’s right – it’s Man United vs Tottenham.

United, stuttering down in ninth place, are in dire need of a victory while Spurs may well fancy their chances at Old Trafford.

The good news for the hosts? They have welcomed back a couple of very important players – more on that shortly.

The bad news, you ask? Well, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be in town. Surely that ramps up the pressure on those in red…