Manchester United maintain their unbeaten record by a narrow margin. The Red Devils drew 2-2 away at Tottenham Hotspur, securing a point with a late goal from Matthijs de Ligt, extending their unbeaten run to five games.
In fact, the Dutchman’s goal in the 96th minute was enough to save the team under coach Ruben Amorim from further defeat, despite having led in the match up until then.
Brian Mbeumo’s header put United up 1-0 at half-time.
However, Spurs fought back after being put under a lot of pressure in the second half. First, Matthijs Tell fired a shot that deflected off De Ligt’s foot and into the back of Senne Ramens’ goal.
Richarlison thought he had won with a smart header in the 91st minute, but United’s number four canceled out the goal moments later.
United’s performance was hardly inspiring. They played an incredibly passive game and were content to let Spurs dominate the ball. Amorim’s side only had five shots in total, and only two were on target.
First-time scorer Mbeumo continued to do well in front of goal.
Brian Mbeumo’s stats against Spurs
October’s Premier League Player of the Month award will not be awarded in November. Mbeumo is one of this season’s signings and has scored seven goals and provided an assist in just 12 games for the Red Devils.
His strike against Spurs away at lunchtime on Saturday was the result of good play and a deft touch from the centre-forward.
United’s number 19 wedged himself between two Lilywhites defenders and headed his shot into the back of the net.
But that wasn’t Mbeumo’s only positive contribution against Spurs. He recorded 44 touches, made three passes into the final third and was a constant problem for opposition defences.
The attacker was also excellent off the ball, making four successful recoveries.
But not only did the 26-year-old play against Spurs, United had a player who was arguably better than him.
United standout players vs. Spurs
United’s draw away to Spurs was certainly frustrating. Amorim criticized his team after the match, explaining: “We need to do more, we need to be more aggressive, we need to feel the environment in the stadium, and that’s where we deserved the three points.”
However, one player who stood out as much as Mbeumo was Amado. From the beginning, the role for the Ivorian player today was different, operating as a number 10 on the right rather than a wing-back.
However, he presented a threat up front with his usual energetic form and worked hard in defence.
In fact, it was the attacker’s cross that Mbeumo scored. It was a very fun ball. Amad picked up the ball just inside Spurs’ penalty area and curled a cross at the back post from a standing position to guide his team-mate home.
It was one of only two chances he created, and he also made four passes into Spurs’ third on the afternoon.
Amad stats vs. Spurs | |
|---|---|
status | number |
touch | 48 |
pass completed | 23/32 |
won a duel | 7 |
Number of balls collected | 5 |
advance to the final third | 4 |
An opportunity has arisen | 2 |
assist | 1 |
Fotmob statistics | |
Amad’s excellent performance certainly stood out, with journalist Liam Canning stating that it was an “incredible” performance from the Ivorian attacker, praising him as the actual man of the match.
There is certainly a case to be made that Amad is becoming Amorim’s new version of Bruno Fernandes. It is often the Portuguese attacker who carries the creative burden at United. However, things were different this season, with Amad also matching the captain’s three assists.
The reason may lie in the role United’s manager uses the skipper in. Fernandes, who was traded to wear No. 10, currently plays in a deep pivot position, with No. 16 functioning high and wide as a No. 10 at wingback or in the pocket. He certainly has a much greater involvement in the final third.
This is not a bad thing for United, who have relied solely on Fernandes for many years. But Amado has certainly taken on more creative responsibilities and is gradually becoming their new version of Fernandes.
