Matthijs de Ligt's late header stuns Tottenham in dramatic Man Utd draw

The result extended United's winless run against Spurs to eight matches in all competitions and kept them five league games without defeat.

Separated by just goal difference at kick-off, both sides began cautiously in a repeat of their UEFA Europa League final clash from May, when Tottenham won 1-0. Chances were scarce early on, with neither team managing a shot on target inside the opening half-hour.

But United struck first through Bryan Mbeumo, who continued his impressive run of form by heading in Amad Diallo's pinpoint cross after Spurs failed to clear their lines. It was Mbeumo's fifth goal in eight career appearances against Tottenham and his fourth in the league this season.

Spurs showed far more intent after the break, pushing forward with urgency. Cristian Romero's clever effort was tipped wide by Senne Lammens, who also denied Joao Palhinha's powerful volley moments later.

Brennan Johnson thought he had equalised just after the hour mark, but his neat finish was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Tottenham finally found a breakthrough through substitute Mathys Tel, who levelled the scores with a composed finish that took a deflection on its way past Lammens in the 84th minute.

The hosts then looked to have snatched all three points deep into stoppage time when Richarlison instinctively diverted Wilson Odobert's shot into the corner in the 94th minute, sending the home fans into celebration.

However, Ruben Amorim's side were denied victory in dramatic fashion. With virtually the last attack of the game, Bruno Fernandes' corner found De Ligt unmarked at the back post, and the Dutch defender powered his header beyond Guglielmo Vicario to make it 2-2 in the 96th minute.

The draw left both sides level on points and underlined how little separates two teams hoping to break into the Premier League's top four this season.