Man United’s Pogba, Fernandes impressive together in 1-1 draw at Tottenham

A Bruno Fernandes penalty earned Manchester United a 1-1 draw with Tottenham in their return to Premier League action as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side extended their unbeaten run.

Steven Bergwijn put Spurs ahead in the first half, thanks in part to a David De Gea mistake, only for Fernandes to cancel it out from the spot 10 minutes from time. United were awarded a second penalty by referee Jon Moss, but the decision for overturned by VAR meaning the two sides, still with hopes of finishing in the top four, had to settle for a point.

For United — now unbeaten in 12 games — fit-again Paul Pogba’s introduction just after the hour turned the game, and it was the Frenchman who won the penalty after being brought down by Eric Dier.

Positives

Pogba hasn’t featured since December, but when he came on in the second half, United immediately looked more dangerous. Prepared to take risks with his passing and his movement, he caused problems for Tottenham — particularly when he drifted over to the right, ran at Dier and won the late penalty.

Negatives

Roy Keane’s half-time rant on television was perhaps a little harsh, but De Gea should still have prevented Tottenham’s opening goal. Bergwijn’s shot was fierce, but it was straight at the Spaniard and he should have got more behind it. Suddenly there is pressure on De Gea with Dean Henderson playing so well at Sheffield United.

Manager rating (out of 10)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, 6 — Picking Daniel James in his starting XI was the only real surprise in the team, and it didn’t pay off. Bringing on Pogba changed a game that was drifting toward a Tottenham win, but he might have considered bringing Odion Ighalo on for the disappointing Anthony Martial earlier.

Pogba, left, and Fernandes were excellent in the final 30 minutes as Man United earned a late point at Tottenham.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK David De Gea, 5 — Should have done better with Bergwijn’s opener after the shot was fired straight at him, but pulled off a good save to deny Son Heung-Min’s header.

DF Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 5 — Struggled with United’s line in the first half. Improved after the break but didn’t offer much going forward.

DF Luke Shaw, 6 — Did well to block an early Serge Aurier cross. Played his part in Tottenham’s goal but otherwise defended well.

DF Victor Lindelof, 5 — Dragged out of position a couple of times early on. Limped off with an injury in the second half.

DF Harry Maguire, 5 — Watched Bergwijn blow past him to score Tottenham’s opening goal. Pushed forward whenever he could.

MF Scott McTominay, 6 — Would not have been a surprise if he had come off in the second half when Pogba came on. Went to centre-back when Victor Lindelof was substituted.

MF Fred, 5 — Gave the ball away more than he should. Looked unhappy when he was hooked early in the second half for Pogba.

MF Bruno Fernandes, 7 — Fizzed a shot past the post early in the second half. Unstoppable penalty drew United level. United’s best player.

FW Marcus Rashford, 6 — Forced Hugo Lloris into his first save of the night with a side-foot snap shot from a Fernandes cross.

FW Daniel James, 5 — Unlucky that a dangerous cross from the right drifted over Marcus Rashford’s head in the first half. Booked for chopping down Eric Dier and went off early.

FW Anthony Martial, 5 — Anonymous in the first half. Two chances in the second half, one blocked by Eric Dier and another expertly saved by Hugo Lloris.

Substitutes

Paul Pogba, 7 (for Fred, 63) — Earned United a point.

Mason Greenwood, 6 (for Daniel James, 63) — Added pace and purpose.

Nemanja Matic, N/R (for Victor Lindelof, 78) — Came on too late to make an impact.

Odion Ighalo, N/R (for Anthony Martial, 78) — Not given enough time to influence the game.

Eric Bailly, N/R (for Scott McTominay, 89) — A very late switch.