Manchester United recorded a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in an incredibly frustrating game for the Red Devils.
Rasmus Hojlund thrashed in the opener after just three minutes, which was denied by a Richarlison header before Marcus Rashford restored the lead but poor defending from Manchester United allowed Rodrigo Bentancur to equalise.
It was a frustrating night for Erik ten Hag who would have noted some positive signs in the first half, in particular, but the Red Devils tailed off disappointingly in the end.
Here are five things we learned from the game.
Hojlund finds his feet
Originally, before the Danish striker lashed in the opening goal for the Red Devils, it looked as if the 20-year-old had gotten in Rashford’s way but Hojlund did incredibly well.
He couldn’t have hit it much better for the Red Devils if he tried and it was a brilliant way to make it two goals in two games at Old Trafford.
After struggling against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup, Hojlund took his chance superbly well and you wonder if this could finally be the moment we see an explosion in the league.
Rashford silences doubters
It was yet another promising performance from Rashford who took his goal superbly well after playing a 1-2 with Hojlund in the build-up.
The winger looked back to his best as he caused Pedro Porro all sorts of problems down United’s left and the Englishman, alongside Hojlund, were carrying the Red Devils.
Spurs were much the better side in the contest and really will feel aggrieved that they couldn’t get the result their enterprising performance deserved.
Strange defensive decisions
In the build-up to the clash at Old Trafford, the back four looked relatively similar to how they have previously lined up but there was a subtle difference.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka lined up at left-back with Diogo Dalot at right-back in what was a rather strange decision made by the Dutchman and it left United looking a bit confused.
As it typical with the pair’s performances, they both looked consistent in these positions but having the Englishman at left-back, when he is right-footed, did not help United’s build-up.
Martinez’s return
Apart from the goals, the biggest cheer of the night came 60 minutes into the game when, for the first time since September, Lisandro Martinez was back on the Old Trafford pitch.
Replacing Jonny Evans, who had a tough time against the North London side, the Argentine defender immediately showed what the Red Devils had been missing with his punchy progressive passes through the lines helping the Red Devils massively.
His return to the first team could be key for the Red Devils as they look to somehow get themselves back in the race for Champions League football.
What it means for the Red Devils
It’s more points dropped for United after leading the game twice and with Sir Jim Ratcliffe watching the Red Devils be second-best all over the pitch, questions may be asked.
The manner of the draw will frustrate fans the most as they were struggling throughout. The draw means United could well be further from the Champions League spots, depending on how other teams perform next week.
A draw for Spurs keeps them in fifth place whilst United are 8 points from the top four, but this could be extended to 11 if results go against them.
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