The strikers scored a goal each and combined well, but the Red Devils were too lightweight in the middle and allowed Spurs to dictate play
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Wayne Rooney in attendance, Manchester United's attackers finally put on a show against Tottenham on Sunday, but their midfielders barely got a grip on the game and allowed the visitors to twice fight back in an entertaining yet disheartening 2-2 draw.
Rasmus Hojlund ripped a new hole in the Old Trafford net with his thunderous opening strike in the third minute, but poor marking from a corner allowed Richarlison to level.
Hojlund combined with Marcus Rashford as the England striker scored his first goal at Old Trafford this season before half-time, but United's good work was undone less than a minute into the second half as the midfield and defence made it all to easy for Timo Werner to find Rodrigo Bentancur, who strolled his way through to score.
Spurs continued to call the shots and United only caused danger on the break, although substitute Scott McTominay really should have found a winner in added time when he sent a free header over the bar.
GOAL rates United''s players from Old Trafford…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Good positioning and not much he could do about either goal. Cautious with the ball
Diogo Dalot (7/10):
Excellent defensively, winning practically every tackle. Got the better of Udogie and Werner.
Raphael Varane (6/10):
Needed to command the area better for Richarlison's goal.
Jonny Evans (5/10):
Made an important early clearance but not good enough in the air for Richarlison's goal and easily beaten by Bentancur for the second.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):
Asked to play at left-back to make life easier for Dalot and adapted well, showing his usual anticipation and positional awareness.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Christian Eriksen (5/10):
Didn't get involved very often and was removed in the 58th minute.
Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):
A comedown from his dominant performance against Wigan. Misplaced a few passes and couldn't influence the game. Not surprising for him to have the occasional drop-off given his age and inexperience.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Played some incisive passes in the first half, contributing to both goals, but his influence faded after the break.
Getty ImagesAttack
Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
Started the move for the first goal and always a threat down the right flank, while also working hard off the ball.
Rasmus Hojlund (8/10):
His best display in the Premier League. Nearly broke the net with his venomous strike. Nice link-up play with Rashford for the second goal and played some inviting passes forward on the break.
Marcus Rashford (7/10):
A nice finish to get his first goal at Old Trafford in eight months and always gave Spurs something to think about, but continued to be let down by his final touch.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Scott McTominay (5/10):
Fired just wide moments after coming on and headed over in added-time when he should have hit the target.
Lisandro Martinez (6/10):
Made his first appearance for over four months and coped well with Tottenham's incursions.
Antony (N/A):
Brought on in the 88th minute.
Erik ten Hag (6/10):
Not the worst result but it should be a concern how little his side saw of the ball considering they were at Old Trafford.