Manchester United blew the chance to all but seal their return to Champions League football on Thursday as they conspired to draw with Tottenham.
Erik ten Hag's side were excellent in the first half in north London and raced into the lead when Jadon Sancho found the bottom corner early on. Spurs looked exactly like a side that had conceded six at the weekend and United deservedly doubled their lead as a clinical Marcus Rashford fired home on the counter.
However, after looking to be in cruise control United went off the rails in the second half as they sacrificed all control of the game. Pedro Porro pulled one back with a superb finish and Bruno Fernandes could only hit the crossbar when through on goal moments later. Spurs were revived and grabbed a deserved equaliser when Son Heung-min tapped home Harry Kane's pass to draw the scores level.
ALSO READ: United player ratings vs Tottenham
United are still in the ascendency in the top-four race but could have stretched the gap to nine points if they'd won and now face an in-form Aston Villa next. Here are the moments you may have missed from the match.
Warm welcome for Eriksen
Christian Eriksen became a fans' favourite at White Hart Lane during his seven-year stay with Spurs and his contribution to the club was not forgotten. As the teams were announced and his name was read out just prior to kick-off, he received a loud round of cheers and applause from the home fans. A lovely welcome back.
The Dane's subtle hand in the opener
It didn't take long for Eriksen to hurt his old side, though, even though he didn't touch the ball. Spurs managed to hold on slightly longer than they did at St. James' Park on Sunday but only just as United took the lead after just seven minutes through Sancho's nicely-taken strike.
The winger cut inside before bending a shot into the far corner but Eriksen had a subtle hand in the goal. It was the Dane who overlapped Sancho, ensuring the defender facing him couldn't commit to a challenge and that was the opening he needed to score.
A cheeky message sent to Kane
United fans hit Spurs where it really hurts with an inventive chant just past the half-hour mark in the match. "Harry Kane, we'll see you in June!" the supporters sang.
Ten Hag has made Kane his priority target ahead of the summer transfer window as he wants to add an elite-level striker to his side. Though the England captain is approaching the final year of his contract, it will still be a difficult deal to pull off with chairman Daniel Levy reluctant to sell to Premier League rivals.
As well as his obvious ability in front of goal, Kane once again showed what else he could offer United with a sublime pass to set up Son's equaliser.
Brazilians united
After the match, United's Antony and his international teammate Richarlison embraced on the field and shared a joke together. The Brazilian pair could be seen laughing as they covered their mouths.
READ MORE:
