Tottenham 4-3 Manchester United: Son scores from corner to decide quarter-final thriller

Son Heung-min scored direct from a corner as Tottenham beat Manchester United 4-3 in a thrilling EFL Cup quarter-final punctuated by goalkeeping errors.

Dominic Solanke also netted twice for Spurs as they reached the last four for the first time since 2021-22, with stand-in goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Altay Bayindir arguably guilty of two errors apiece.

Spurs took the lead from their first real attack in the 15th minute, with Bayindir spilling Pedro Porro’s drive to Solanke, who tucked home via the near post.

They then added two further goals early in the second half as United defended dismally. Dejan Kulusevski lashed home when Lisandro Martinez failed to clear James Maddison’s cross, then Solanke beat the Argentine with ease to make it 3-0 in the 54th minute.

But United were given a lifeline in comical circumstances just after the hour. Moments after making a brilliant save from Joshua Zirkzee’s header, Forster passed straight to Bruno Fernandes, allowing the United captain to tee up the Dutchman for a tap-in.

Things got worse for Forster with 19 minutes to play, as United substitute Amad Diallo slid in to divert the goalkeeper’s casual pass into the net.

Spurs pulled two ahead again when Son’s 88th-minute corner sailed over a clawing Bayindir and into the far corner, with United unable to force a leveller despite Jonny Evans reducing the arrears once more in the 94th minute.

Data Debrief: United’s Spurs hoodoo continues

Tottenham have now beaten United twice this season, having already won 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League in September.

Spurs are now unbeaten in five against the Red Devils in all competitions (three wins, two draws), winning consecutive games against them for the first time since a run of three victories in April 1990.