Tottenham 2-2 Manchester United: What were the main talking points as United suffer a second-half collapse in the capital?

In what was an action-packed affair from north London on Thursday night, Tottenham and Manchester United eventually played out a thrilling 2-2 in the capital.

With Erik ten Hag’s side taking just seven minutes to open the scoring as Jadon Sancho bagged his first Premier League strike since the middle of February, the Red Devils enjoyed a real first-half romp.

Eventually heading into the interval with a two-goal advantage as the red-hot Marcus Rashford doubled United’s lead just seconds before the break, it appeared that ten Hag’s side were breezing towards another domestic statement.

However, with Pedro Porro pulling one back for Spurs thanks to a wonderful effort 11 minutes after the interval, the former Ajax boss was hugely frustrated by a second-half collapse in the capital.

Failing to match a similar level that they set during the first 45, Son Heung-Min snatched a dramatic point for the struggling top-four contenders as the South Korean ace finished from inside the six-yard box

However, while Spurs might have mounted a thrilling comeback in front of a disgruntled home support, the Lilywhites have now claimed just a pair of wins from any of their last 10 appearances across all competitions.

Two Premier League heavyweights who would have eventually been disappointed to have only collected a single point, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Thursday’s 2-2 draw.

United’s issues away from Old Trafford are becoming a growing issue

Punching their FA Cup final ticket last weekend following a nail-biting penalties victory against Brighton at Wembley, Manchester United would have traveled to north London desperate to make a Premier League statement.

However, while ten Hag’s side might have enjoyed a real first-half romp in the capital, the former Ajax boss will have a growing headache over United’s extended inconsistencies away from Old Trafford.

Coming under real scrutiny last week as they came crashing out of the Europa League following a remarkable 3-0 second-leg drumming away at Sevilla, the English giants do have the feel of a squad seeking some recent stability.

Throwing away a golden chance here and suffering yet another nightmare collapse after returning from the half-time break, United have now won just a pair of their last nine away fixtures within 90 minutes – a run that stems all the way back to February 12th.

Likewise, showing some worrying defensive struggles after it was confirmed that Lisandro Martinez will miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury, United will know that they face another stern test on Sunday afternoon when a high-flying Aston Villa visit Old Trafford.

Does a point improve the mood in north London?

Shockingly sacking interim boss Cristian Stellini last weekend following their notorious 6-1 drumming away at Newcastle, it is no secret that Tottenham find themselves at the heart of another public crisis.

Once again turning to former midfielder Ryan Mason in an attempt to steady the ship in north London, there were also hefty protests directed at chairman Daniel Levy both before and after the full-time whistle.

However, while Tottenham will undoubtedly be boosted by a stellar second-half comeback here, Spurs will know that their dreams of clinching another top-four finish have taken a huge dent.

Involved in a messy divorce from Antonio Conte last month and watching AC Milan end their Champions League adventure thanks to a toothless 1-0 aggregate defeat, Spurs are dealing with a string of issues both on and off the pitch.

Recording just a pair of wins from any of their last 10 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to a 2-0 victory against Chelsea on February 26th.

Already knowing that their wait to finally get their hands on a piece of silverware will only go on for another season, it also appears increasingly likely that Harry Kane will be on his way out of north London come the summer.

Ten Hag can still end United’s season with a flurry

Suffering that infamous second-leg 3-0 defeat away at Sevilla last week, Manchester United do appear to be showing some signs of a Europa League hangover.

However, while the Premier League heavyweights might have watched their European adventure come to a stunning end out in Spain seven days ago, the Red Devils still have plenty left to play for over the coming weeks.

Ending their six-year trophy drought back on February 26th and crowned EFL Cup champions thanks to a 2-0 victory against top-four rivals Newcastle, ten Hag’s side can still add another piece of silverware to their cabinet.

Edging past Brighton at Wembley last weekend as they punched what should be a thrilling FA Cup final showdown against bitter local rivals Manchester City, Thursday’s guests should take plenty of positives away from an eye-catching first season under ten Hag.

Knowing that it would take an almighty slip-up to stop United from clinching a crucial Champions League return, the ex-Ajax boss will know that he can not afford to let any complacency set in.

Match Report

Tottenham: Forster, Romero, Dier, Lenglet, Porro, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Perisic, Son, Richarlison, Kane

Subs: Danjuma, Kulusevski, Tanganga, Davies

Manchester United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot, Eriksen, Casemiro, Antony, Fernandes, Sanchp, Rashford

Subs: Fred, Weghorst, Malacia, Martial

Goals: Tottenham: Porro (56′), Son (79′) – Manchester United: Sancho (7′), Rashford (44′)

Yellow Cards: Tottenham: Hojbjerg – Manchester United: Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Antony Taylor