A dramatic Premier League encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ended 2-2 on Saturday, leaving both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur with questions to answer — and United facing a major injury concern.
Sesko Injury Sparks Concern at United
United striker Benjamin Sesko was introduced in the 58th minute for Noussair Mazraoui, but his afternoon ended prematurely when he suffered a knee injury chasing a long ball. With all five substitutes used, United were forced to finish the match with 10 men.
“We have to check everything. It’s something in his knee,” said United head coach Ruben Amorim. “Of course, we are going to have a problem there, but we already knew.”
The potential loss of Sesko is particularly worrying with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo set to miss games in December for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Late Drama Sees United Rescue a Point
United had taken the lead through Mbeumo’s header, but Tottenham responded with goals from Mathys Tel and Richarlison, only for Matthijs de Ligt to score in the final minute of six added on to salvage a 2-2 draw for the 10-men Red Devils.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank admitted the team was fortunate not to lose a third successive home game, saying:
“We are playing at home and I know we need to win. But the way we stayed in the game in the second half and kept doing the right things, I am very happy with that.”
United’s Defensive and Midfield Challenges
Amorim highlighted ongoing issues stemming from the absence of experienced players Casemiro and Harry Maguire, whose contracts expire next summer.
“We have a lot of problems. Sometimes the results show people we are improving but we have a lot to do,” he said.
Midfield replacements like Manuel Ugarte and the young Kobbie Mainoo have struggled to fill Casemiro’s role, while 19-year-old Leny Yoro is still developing the game intelligence needed to replace Maguire.
United have now conceded two goals in each of their past three games, with Amorim citing a lack of aggressive intent to cut out crosses as a key factor.
Tottenham’s Mixed Messages
Frank’s tactical selection of Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani aimed to exploit United’s aerial vulnerability, but he acknowledged defensive lapses:
“I don’t think I said they played well. The two shots they had, maybe even on target, were two situations we probably could have done better in.”
Despite the draw, Spurs avoided a 10th home defeat in 2025 but still have a poor home record, with only 14 points from the past 20 games, the worst in the Premier League over that period.
What’s Next
The result extends United’s unbeaten run to five games, but challenges remain. Sesko’s injury and squad depth will be key factors in the coming fixtures, while Tottenham will look to improve their home form to avoid slipping further down the table.
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