Manchester Evening News

Man Utd drew 2-2 with Tottenham in the Premier League after a late goal from Matthijs de Ligt to rescue a point.

Matthijs de Ligt feels Manchester United suffered from low energy levels in the second half against Tottenham.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring in the 32nd minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, carefully placing a header into the left corner following an intelligent cross from Amad.

Tottenham started the second half well and forced Senne Lammens into action. The Belgian international made two important saves and United appeared to have weathered the storm, but Spurs continued to push and found an equaliser through Mathys Tel with just six minutes remaining.

Richarlison scored during added time to make it 2-1 and thought he had won the game for Tottenham, but De Ligt scored in the dying seconds to rescue a point for United in London.

The Dutchman spoke to MUTV after the final whistle and explained what went wrong.

De Ligt said: "I think it's a little bit of mixed feelings. I think mixed because I'm quite happy we scored to make it 2-2 in the last minute, but also a little disappointed because I felt we could have won this game.

"Also, the way they scored two goals... Quite lucky, basically with two deflections, which is always a shame, but in the end 2-2 is always better than losing, so I'm happy with that."

De Ligt was asked about showing spirit, and said: "We did, especially in the first half, we showed that. We were really compact, aggressive and made it difficult for them.

"And then in the second half, it felt like we were lacking a little bit of energy. That's something we have to look at because in the Premier League, you get punished for that.

"But we still kept it 0-0, and the last 15 minutes it felt like we were really tired and they kept on coming and coming. At some point, you know if they keep coming into the box, then it will be dangerous. That happened, but fair play to the team for coming back and drawing 2-2.

"I'm happy to contribute to the team [with the goal] and happy that we at least got a draw today."

De Ligt was not included in the leadership group that was introduced in the summer, but Ruben Amorim said he leads by example when he spoke during his post-match press conference.

Amorim said of the decision: "We choose. Sometimes there are players who lead in the way they play, then there are players who have a different involvement in everything that happens in Carrington.

"I am just trying to put different styles in the leadership group. But in the end, everyone has to be a leader and to help each other. I think he is doing really well, really aggressive, is defending well. I think he has more quality with the ball than he is showing. He is still in the point of not wanting to make mistakes with the ball.

"He is doing that really well because that is a smart thing for a player. But when we reach a very good point, our three centre-backs will control the tempo and the quality of the game."

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Benjamin Sesko faces a spell on the sidelines with the Manchester United striker picking up an injury during Saturday's 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko was filmed limping out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Saturday's 2-2 draw in north London.

The Slovenian striker sustained an injury during the game against Spurs after being unable to continue beyond the 85th minute. He had come on just before the hour mark.

Sesko's setback has shifted the Reds' focus towards the January transfer window, with United potentially needing to sign a new attacker if he is sidelined for an extended period. In addition, United boss Ruben Amorim will be without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui due to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next month.

At Saturday's post-match press conference, Amorim revealed that the injury was to Sesko's knee. "We have to check. He had something in his knee, let's see," he said.

"I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know.

"I'm more concerned with an injury because it's in the knee and I don't know. We need Ben to be a better team."

And footage has emerged on social media of the 22-year-old limping out of the stadium on Saturday. Following the draw, Slovenian outlets have suggested the initial indications are promising.

Sportklub have claimed that the forward has completed his first medical assessment on his knee discomfort and it has delivered an 'encouraging' result. The report indicates that the early signs are favourable, although an MRI scan is scheduled to follow for a more detailed analysis.

There will now be doubts over whether he will be fit enough to feature for United in their next fixture after the international break - a home clash against Everton on Monday, November 24 (8pm kick-off).

Sesko has scored two goals for United since his £73.7million move from RB Leipzig in the summer. The Slovenia international was wanted by Champions League side Newcastle but chose a move to Old Trafford instead.

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Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko was forced off the pitch with a knee injury during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim refused to be drawn into questions surrounding the form of Benjamin Sesko following the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

After replacing Matheus Cunha in the 58th minute, Sesko had a couple of chances to score. However, the Slovenian was too slow to unleash his efforts and the chances went begging.

The final occasion proved to be the striker's last. After being fed through by Mason Mount, Sesko hesitated and before he knew it Micky van de Ven was bearing down on him, producing a challenge that not only scuppered his shot but also ended his afternoon early.

As Spurs broke down the other end of the pitch, Sesko remained on the ground and after being treated by medical staff, there was no alternative but to replace him. Sadly for Amorim, there were no options left after making all five substitutions.

So, United ended the match with ten men, conceded in injury time only for Matthijs de Ligt to save the day. When speaking to the media in his post-match press conference, Amorim could not be more clear on his focus surrounding Sesko.

"That [his recent form] is not the biggest concern now," he explained. "I'm concerned with an injury, because it is in the knee, and I don't know.

"We need Ben [Sesko] to be a better team. We have to check. He has something in his knee. Let's see."

Heading into the November international break means that Amorim has time to decide on what he will do should Sesko not be fit enough to start against Everton on November 24. MEN Sport believes there are three options to replace the forward and has taken a look at them below.

Strikerless option

Undoubtedly the most likely option Amorim will take is the strikerless system which he deployed against Spurs and at Liverpool previously too. Both systems suit Cunha as the 'false nine' essentially.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers front man has played in the centre-forward role previously at his old club and Amorim has used that versatility at United. On Saturday, there was plenty of hard work from the Brazilian but the end product was not there, which prompted the arrival of Sesko.

Perhaps more interestingly will be the decision Amorim takes in the No.10 roles. We have become accustomed to seeing Bryan Mbeumo on the right, Mount on the left and Amad sticking in the right wing-back position.

However, in north London, United chose to reintroduce Noussair Mazraoui at wing-back, moving Amad further forwards and pushing Mbeumo to the left. This did not mute the power of Mbeumo in the first half, he remained a threat but United were perhaps not as dangerous attacking with the more defensive-minded Mazraoui on the right.

This will be something for Amorim to consider should he adopt those selections again.

Zirkzee recall

Joshua Zirkzee finds himself firmly on the fringes of the first team at present. No wonder then that MEN Sport understands he will request a transfer by January.

The Dutchman's hopes of a call-up to his national team squad for the World Cup are fading by the week and the longer he spends on the bench, the worse it will get. Zirkzee has played just 90 minutes over five appearances this season and has been an unused substitute in all the other games.

However, an injury for Sesko could provide him with the opportunity to get those minutes he craves. Last season, Zirkzee showed he was capable of leading the line for United on his day.

He showed great mental strength to overcome a rocky introduction to the United fans and become a forward who fans were happy to see picked ahead of Rasmus Hojlund. The arrivals of Cunha and Mbeumo have scuppered him but those two have both looked better in the No.10 position.

Zirkzee will feel he has a shot at cementing his place in the squad in Sesko's absence. It all depends if Amorim is willing to trust him or not.

Obi opportunity

Before the match against Spurs, Amorim was clear on his thoughts on giving United's academy stars a chance. "We have that record, we are not going to break that record and Jack [Fletcher] is ready to help us," the Portuguese head coach told TNT Sport when asked about the midfielder's inclusion.

With Kobbie Mainoo out with a knock, United could have ended an 88-year record of always including at least one academy graduate in their matchday squad. That did not happen on Saturday but could Amorim take this a step further?

Chido Obi was called upon last season amidst United's poor striker form. The teenager has been given the chance to play with the academy this campaign which is of course the preferred option at 17.

But, if the desire to play Zirkzee is not there and the strikerless system is not working, Obi could be the man to benefit from an opportunity. Whether he is chosen from the start or not seems unlikely though.

Manchester United secured a draw at Tottenham Hotspur following Matthijs de Ligt's late header.

On the luxurious walk down to the mixed zone at the impressive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the assembled Manchester United and Tottenham media cohorts tried to make sense of the final ten minutes of the game.

United looked to be cruising to victory having rode the initial storm chucked at them by Spurs at the start of the second half. If you had told Patrick Dorgu and his teammates that they would go away with just one point - they would have been disappointed.

As it was, United came out thankful that it was not a defeat. Mathys Tel's deflected strike and Richarlison's flicked header seemed to have sealed the victory for Spurs and ended United's unbeaten run.

However, an exceptionally late Matthijs de Ligt header secured a point and kept United unbeaten since their loss to Brentford. As we waited in hope that we would hear from the United camp, two Tottenham workers headed into the United side of the tunnel with handfuls of champagne flutes.

Dorgu made it clear to The Manchester Evening News that the corks were not popping after rescuing a draw. "I think it was two lost as we were leading until ten minutes to go," the Danish defender explained.

"Obviously it was good to come back and show team spirit but we are disappointed in not winning the game." For United it was a case of deja vu.

At Nottingham Forest a week prior, United went into the break with a one-goal advantage, squandered it and then rescued it late on. Against Spurs, the result was further in the extremes but the pattern was all too familiar.

In his post-match comments to TNT Sport, De Ligt admitted that United were tired in the second half and this was a sentiment Dorgu could agree with. "Yeah, I think it was a tough game for everyone," he explained.

"Obviously they play very direct so it was hard for the defenders to always track runs. It was a competitive game."

Having earned another point, United now head into the latest international break in better spirits than they were just a month ago. While the Sunderland victory was welcomed, it was hard to tell if that was the exception to the rule or not.

In the end, it was the start of a good run which continues into November. Reflecting on the mood in the camp going into that break, Dorgu was keen to stress that spirits remain high for United and their players.

"We are unbeaten in five games so we are still feeling good," Dorgu concluded. "We are not losing games so, now, we need to just keep bouncing back and get the next one after the internationals."

If United are to thoroughly turn the corner, their next game is one that they need to be winning. Everton have won just once on their travels this season and sit comfortably in mid-table.

The Toffees await Dorgu and Co. on Monday, November 24.

Manchester United rescued a draw in the final moments of their clash against Tottenham on Saturday but one star has been critiqued by a Premier League icon

Alan Shearer thinks one Manchester United player had "no clue" against Tottenham. Ruben Amorim's side let a 1-0 lead slip and drew 2-2 in London.

Bryan Mbeumo handed United a first-half lead on Saturday and it took Spurs until the 84th minute to respond as Mathys Tel equalised. Richarlison looked to have secured all three points for the hosts in added time before Matthijs de Ligt's last-gasp header.

Despite some promising performances within the United ranks, former Newcastle and England striker Shearer thinks one sharpshooter in particular was underwhelming in the Premier League stalemate.

Benjamin Sesko was dropped by Amorim from the starting XI in north London but was brought on in the 58th minute. Though he failed to make any lasting impression.

The 22-year-old Slovenian, who arrived at Old Trafford for £74million this summer, squandered an opportunity in the 85th minute before he went off with a knee injury.

Shearer believes that Sesko had a dismal cameo at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and that he should have tucked away one of the two great chances that fell his direction.

"Sesko struggled again," admitted Shearer on Match of the Day. "He's only scored twice in his 12 appearances and he came on today with just over half an hour to go.

"He had two really, really good chances and should have scored, to be honest. They worked it really well for him to get in the first time. He's either got to get his shot away early or he's got to push that ball forward quicker. He's not going to get that amount of time in the Premier League to work it back on his right foot."

Shearer then specifically discussed the brilliant chance Sesko failed to convert just before he came off with his injury, when Tottenham's Micky van de Ven got back to tackle him.

"This one [the 85th-minute chance] is the bigger puzzle for me," continued Shearer. "I know he's struggling for confidence but any centre-forward knows you cannot allow the centre-half to come back at you.

"You've got to get across Van de Ven. By that time he should have a picture in his head of where the keeper is and what he wants to do. I don't think he has a clue what he wants to do because I don't even think he even knows Van de Ven is there and chasing him. I know he's struggling with confidence but it's a big 'must do better'.

"No one likes to see him coming off injured and we hope his knee is okay but they are two chances you'd expect at that level that someone has to put away."

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Manchester United drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur hours before Alejandro Garnacho assisted two Chelsea goals in their 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge

Alejandro Garnacho assisted two goals for Chelsea hours after Ruben Amorim lamented Manchester United not killing off their match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead just after the half-hour mark in north London, but they were unable to double their advantage. Mathys Tel equalised for Spurs late on, and the hosts then took the lead thanks to Richarlison.

Matthijs de Ligt's equaliser salvaged a point from the match, but United led for 52 of the 98 minutes, trailing for just five of them. Head coach Amorim acknowledged afterwards that a win was there for the taking.

"I think, if you see the game, you feel that the three points were there to take home," he said, before reiterating: "If you look at the game and if you feel the environment, we have so much to grow as a team, because today was our day to win this game."

Amorim added: "I think it's more we need to look at ourselves. We were not pressing with the same intensity because we felt comfortable.

"We need to understand that, but to feel also that, if we have a little bit more bravery, we can kill this game." He concluded: "We need to feel the environment of the game and feel that the opponent is nervous, so we need to kill the game and not wait until the end."

Hours after those comments, Garnacho started and starred for Chelsea, albeit against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The winger recorded his first two Premier League assists since signing for the west London club with a pair of crosses.

With the first, he picked out Malo Gusto, who headed home from point-blank range to give Chelsea the lead. The second completed a counterattack, with Garnacho squaring the ball for Pedro Neto to finish first-time against his former employers and put his current club 3-0 up.

Enzo Maresca sang the summer signing's praises afterwards. "He's doing very well on the ball," the Chelsea head coach said, "but he's doing very, very well off the ball.

"He knows that to play with us, he has to be good on the ball and off the ball; otherwise, he's not going to play. We are very happy with him at this moment."

Alan Shearer also highlighted his performance on Match of the Day. "I was really impressed with him. He scored in midweek (against Qarabag in the Champions League), I think it was his best game today; he caused problems all evening down the left-hand side.

"Whoever was coming up against him, he had more pace than them; he went past them with ease, and he was a real threat in putting balls, good balls, into the box for his forwards, and of course, they benefited from that. I thought he looked really, really comfortable."

Benjamin Sesko injury latest - medical 'test', Ruben Amorim verdict, Man United transfer plans

Benjamin Sesko handed Manchester United an injury scare during the Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United go into the international break with mixed emotions after their draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Benjamin Sesko emerged as a potential injury scare for United during the game, with the striker being unable to continue from the 85th minute onwards despite being subbed on around the hour mark. Initial concerns from Ruben Amorim after the full-time whistle centred around Sesko possibly suffering a knee injury.

United earned a point against Tottenham after Matthijs de Ligt equalised in stoppage time after Richarlison had given the home side the lead a few minutes earlier in North London. United will now face a nervous wait to discover the full extent of Sesko's potential injury.

Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at what has been said and reported about Sesko's potential injury for United.

'Medical assessment completed'

Reports in Slovenia have claimed that Sesko has already undergone initial tests to discover the extent of a potential injury that the striker may have suffered.

Sportklub have claimed that the first tests run on Sesko's potential injury did not show a "worrying condition" but did add that there are still further assessments needed to determine a full diagnosis for the issue, including an MRI scan.

It remains to be seen if Sesko will link up with his Slovenia teammates for the round of World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Kosovo during the international break.

Ruben Amorim verdict

Amorim was asked about the potential injury to Sesko after United's draw with Tottenham, where the United boss admitted that he was still uncertain as to what the severity could be.

"We have to check. He had something in his knee, let's see," said Amorim on Saturday.

"I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know," Amorim added, when asked if Sesko had suffered a serious injury.

The United boss concluded: I'm more concerned with an injury because it's in the knee and I don't know. We need Ben to be a better team."

Transfer plans concern

Amorim was also asked about United's plans for the January transfer window potentially being affected if Sesko suffered a serious injury.

The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is expected to see Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui be unavailable for potentially several weeks, which has led to questions about potential transfer plans.

"We have to check everything, we have to check what has happened with Ben," said Amorim.

"Of course, we are going to have a problem there [with AFCON], but we already knew. Then you can prepare that in the summer, but then you have a lot of players in the summer who are not going to play because it's one game per week. So the management of that situation is going to be hard.

"But let's see when the window is open, if we can improve the team and try to prepare something that happened. Until then, we have to take the chance."

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'I spotted what Ruben Amorim told Man United players vs Tottenham - he knew what was coming'

Manchester United rescued a draw against Tottenham Hotspur but for large spells they looked like they were going to win the game.

Manchester United rescued a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday lunchtime.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring with an impressive header in the first half. Up until the last six minutes, the Reds looked like they were going to win the game but Mathys Tel's deflected strike and Richarlison's header put them on the brink of defeat.

Matthijs de Ligt's late header rescued a point as United made it five games unbeaten in the Premier League.

MEN Sport has taken a look at some of the moments you might have missed from the game:

Spurs' reminder

There's no forgetting what happened back in May when United faced Tottenham - and Spurs are making sure of it. Walking on the High Road side of the stadium, you pass one of the main receptions. Peak inside and the Europa League trophy is on full display with fans at 9am queuing for photos with it.

It took the home supporters less than three minutes to chant ‘Champions of Europe, we know what we are’. That returned in added time before De Ligt silenced them.

United defensive fluidity

United were at their fluid best in the first half. When Spurs were in possession, United dropped into a back four with Luke Shaw pushing into a central midfield position.

But he was not the only one to move positions. Harry Maguire found himself on the wing trying to cross into the box and at one stage Patrick Dorgu was almost in a centre-forward role as Bryan Mbeumo covered at wing-back.

Fluidity is clearly what Amorim wants to see moving forward.

Set-piece instructions

Set-piece coach Carlos Fernandes was often on the edge of the technical area in the first half. Shortly before the break, you could see him barking instructions to United's defenders and he was clearly unhappy with one player's position as he flagged down Amorim to have a word.

But Fernandes doesn't just dish out criticism. He was full of praise for De Ligt after one clearance and he will have been delighted to see the centre-back score from a corner at the death.

Amorim’s Mbeumo instruction

Not that he needs much encouragement but Amorim was keen to ensure that Mbeumo's levels did not drop against Spurs. He was quick to urge him to make forward runs whenever Amad had the ball.

United looked at their most dangerous when they were playing direct down the flanks.

Amorim warning before goal

In the second half, Amorim sent a warning to his defence when they were leading 1-0 to ensure they stepped up. On this occasion it was Patrick Dorgu who had dropped too deep and he quickly moved up the pitch to ensure he was in line with his teammates.

For Richarlison's late goal, Manuel Ugarte did not step up quickly enough to catch him out. When he watches the goal back Amorim will be furious.

Benjamin Sesko picked up an injury during Manchester United's game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has undergone a first medical examination on his knee injury picked up in Saturday's draw against Tottenham, according to reports in Slovenia.

The £73.7 million summer signing came on for United in the 58th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but lasted just half-an-hour following a tackle from Micky van de Ven.

Sesko headed straight down the tunnel after receiving treatment, and United boss Ruben Amorim admitted he was concerned about the situation. Asked if it might be a serious issue, he said: "I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know.

"I'm concerned with the injury because it's in the knee. We need Ben to be a better team. We have to check everything, we have to check what has happened with Ben."

In the hours after the draw in London, reports in Slovenia have claimed the early signs are positive. Sportklub have reported that the striker has undergone the first medical examination on his knee pain and it has provided an 'encouraging' reading.

It notes that the early signs are positive, but an MRI scan is scheduled to follow to provide a more comprehensive picture. United have been linked with a new centre-forward in recent weeks, with Joshua Zirkzee failing to be given a chance by Amorim.

Amroim was questioned about whether United's transfer plans would be impacted by a possible period of absence for Sesko. "Of course, we are going to have a problem there [with AFCON], but we already knew," he said.

"Then you can prepare that in the summer, but then you have a lot of players in the summer who are not going to play because it's one game per week. So the management of that situation is going to be hard.

"But let's see when the window is open, if we can improve the team and try to prepare something that happened. Until then, we have to take the chance."

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Manchester United brought Benjamin Sesko on against Tottenham Hotspur, but the striker couldn't complete the match after sustaining what Ruben Amorim describes as a knee injury.

Ruben Amorim admits that Benjamin Sesko sustained a knee injury during Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. The centre-forward came on as a second-half substitute but did not finish the match after going down during the latter stages.

Sesko appeared to pick up the problem after being tackled from behind by Spurs centre-back, Micky van der Ven, while one-on-one with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. He stayed down afterwards after play continued in the other half and eventually hobbled down the tunnel.

That left United with ten players on the pitch. They conceded soon after, before eventually equalising in the sixth minute of added time.

Amorim was asked about Sesko afterwards. "We have to see," the United head coach said in reply to a question about whether the Slovenia international injured himself. "Maybe, I think he has a problem, but let's see."

Casemiro and Harry Maguire also went off midway through the second half, with the latter replaced soon after going down. Amorim told BBC Match of the Day afterwards: "We lost Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Benjamin Sesko," before adding: "We have to check [our injured players]."

In his post-match press conference, meanwhile, after being asked about the striker's form, Amorim added: "That is not the biggest concern now. That happens, especially with a striker.

"I am more concerned with an injury, because it's in the knee, we don't know

"I have no idea, because it is the knee, we never know."

Sekso has been named in the Slovenia squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden. However, whether he joins up with his national team now appears in doubt.

Brazil also called up Casemiro for their friendlies with Senegal and Tunisia. They take place in London and Lille, but it remains unclear if he will be part of that international camp.

Harry Maguire, however, is once again not in the England squad; Thomas Tuchel has yet to select him since taking charge earlier this year. The defender only returned from a knock last week after missing the 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

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