In a game neither side could afford to lose, Manchester United and Tottenham played out a 1-1 draw – though the match was short of anything but drama.

Spurs dominated the first-half at Old Trafford but, as has been the case for them so often this season, failed to find the back of the net.

United regrouped after the break and took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo, and it looked as though it would be tough for Spurs to come back when they were reduced to ten men.

Rodrigo Bentancur saw red when he headbutted Luke Shaw in the 78th minute but that didn’t deter the away side.

Dominic Solanke got in front of Lisandro Martinez to head in an equaliser, and it was enough for Spurs to take a point back to north London.

Daily Mail Sport’s CHRIS WHEELER and MATT BARLOW were at Old Trafford to rate the players. 

Manchester United conceded a late equaliser to throw away three points against Tottenham

Man United (4-2-3-1)

SENNE LAMMENS – 5

Has lacked the same composure since his mistake for Belgium at the World Cup. Poor pass out to Mainoo almost cost United early on but at least he made amends with a smart save from Solanke.

LENY YORO – 5

Played out of position again at right back and Spurs focussed on that side of United’s defence but produced two fine interception tackles on Van Hecke and Udogie.

HARRY MAGUIRE – 6

It said much about United’s lack of creativity that the big defender decided to try his luck from 30 yards towards the end. Otherwise looked solid up against the physical challenge from Solanke.

LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 4

Put just enough pressure on Solanke to force him to fire over in front of goal early in the second-half but was outmuscled by the Spurs striker when he equalised to such an extent that Martinez’s back was facing the ball as it came over.

LUKE SHAW – 6

Kept Kudus in check on United’s left and was involved in the main flashpoint of the game towards the end when he reacted angrily to a wild challenge from Bentancur who was sent off for aiming a headbutt at him.

YOURI TIELEMANS – 4

Struggled against the energy of Bergvall and Tonali in midfield. Did well to track back and get a vital touch to deny Gallagher a one-on-one chance before half-time.

KOBBIE MAINOO – 5

Carrick said the England midfielder had done a little bit of training since pulling out of international duty but not enough on this evidence. Vital block to divert Savio’s close-range shot over in the second half.

AMAD DIALLO – 6

Available for the first time this season and went straight into the starting line-up. Probably United’s most dangerous player during his hour on the pitch, but fired tamely at Kinsky with their only chance of the first half and skied another effort into the Stretford End.

Amad Diallo was available for the first time this season for United and was United’s most dangerous player while he was on the pitch

BRUNO FERNANDES – 5

Carried a knock playing for Portugal in the international break and looked like it was still affecting him. Very subdued performance by his standards.

MATHEUS CUNHA – 5

The Brazilian has been more effective off the left than as a false nine, and had a hand in the goal. But struggled for much of the game and spent too much time on the floor moaning at the officials.

BRYAN MBEUMO – 7

Amad’s return allowed him to play through the middle, as he did in pre-season, but came to life after reverting to the right before the hour mark as he scored a goal and went close to a second.

Subs

DIOGO DALOT (for Yoro 59) – 6

Booked late on and part of a treble change that was dearly needed.

CARLOS BALEBA (for Tielemans 59) – 6

What a boost it is for United to have him available. United were better with him on the field.

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Diallo 59) – 7

Provided a different option for his side and may find himself being used more than expected depending on Benjamin Sesko’s injury status.

MARCUS RASHFORD (for Cunha 90+5)

Manager

MICHAEL CARRICK – 6

A big game for him. Always stone-faced, but will surely be feeling the pressure. Had to cop a lot of stick at various times during the game, and will be livid with how his side finished proceedings. Still under the cosh. 

Bryan Mbeumo, meanwhile, scored United’s goal but was best when he moved to the right 

Tottenham (4-2-3-1) 

ANTONIN KINSKY – 6

A complete bystander for the first half hour and very little to do overall. Not a lot he could do when beaten by Mbeumo. Save to deny the United goalscorer a second priceless when Solanke levelled in stoppage time.

ARCHIE GRAY – 6

Solid and determined. Does not always look entirely comfortable at right back but his greatest asset is that he keeps going and refuses to buckle. Kept Cunha quiet for most of the first half forcing Carrick to switch him and Fernandes. Booked.

JAN PAUL VAN HECKE – 5

Sometimes erratic on the ball. Won headers albeit against an attack with little aerial threat. Made tackles on the edge of the penalty box but easily turned by Mbeumo for the United goal. Booked.

MARCOS SENESI – 7

Exuded calm, read the game and used the ball well. Forged a good understanding with Van Hecke. Replaced in the closing stages when De Zerbi wanted Fernandes on.

DESTINY UDOGIE – 7

Kept Amad quiet and drove forward to dovetail well with Savio in the first half. Alert on the cover to make a couple of vital clearances in the second half.

Jan Paul van Hecke (right) was erratic on the ball and found himself spun for United’s goal

LUCAS BERGVALL – 6

Terrific energy in opening phase when Spurs took control. Won the ball for early Solanke chance. More vertical drive than Bentancur and fewer mistakes in possession. Faded and replaced. 

SANDRO TONALI – 6

Perhaps his best display in a Spurs shirt. Read the game, shielded his centre halves and covered the ground effectively. Still expect more quality on the ball and eventually it came. He was operating as a left back when he produced the cross for Solanke’s goal.

MOHAMMED KUDUS – 5

Bright opening on his first start since January. Got on the ball and tried to create. Good chance squandered in the first half when he fired wide. Faded and withdrawn on 66 minutes.

CONOR GALLAGHER – 7

Exceptional work-rate and effective in the first half. Glimpse of goal denied by an excellent recovery by Tielemans just before half-time. Less influential after half time but still industrious. Booked.

SAVIO – 6

Playing on the left, where his pace off the mark brought early successes one-v-one against Yoro. Quick on the break, good chance created for Solanke second half. Switched to the right when Marmoush came on.

DOMINIC SOLANKE – 6

Surprise captain, showed strength to lead the line and occupied United’s centre halves. Wasted glorious chances at the start of each half but kept going and equalised with a glancing header in stoppage time.

Dominic Solanke (right) was Tottenham’s surprise captian for the day and did well tohead a late equaliser for his side

SUBS

OMAR MARMOUSH (on for Kudus 66 mins) – 4

Made little impact as the game slipped away from Spurs.

RODRIGO BENTANCUR (on for Bergvall 66 mins) – 3

Ruined any hopes of a real fightback. First, a reckless tackle and then up to headbutt Shaw sparking a mass skirmish and leaving Spurs to finish the game with ten men.

JAMES MADDISON – (on for Gallagher 74 mins) – 5

United scored as he was waiting to come on and the game changed again with the red card soon after. Tried to get on the ball and make things happen.

MICKY VAN DE VEN (on for Udogie 74 mins) – 5

Came on at left back and ended up back in the middle after Senesi’s late exit.

MATEUS FERNANDES (on for Senesi 90 mins)

MANAGER

ROBERTO DE ZERBI – 6

Rewarded for his faith in the front four he has been working with over the international break. They started at an impressive tempo but could not capitalise. Subs backfired when Bentancur was sent off but will love the spirit shown to fight back.