When Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet, fans are often treated to thrilling and memorable encounters. Here’s a look at some of the most notable games between the two sides:
Manchester United 5-2 Tottenham (April 25, 2009)
This Premier League clash at Old Trafford remains unforgettable owing to a remarkable comeback by Manchester United. Tottenham took control in the first half with goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modrić, leading 2-0 at halftime. However, United turned things around in the second half, with Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo leading the formidable United charge. United scored five goals in a stunning display of attacking football in the second half, with Ronaldo grabbing a brace and Rooney getting two on the scoresheet as well. Former Spurs man, Berbatov finished the game with a goal to his name as well. The game not only highlighted United’s never-give-up attitude under Sir Alex Ferguson but also remains a testament to United’s quick attacking football.
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Tottenham 3-5 Manchester United (September 29, 2001)
Another incredible comeback saw United overturn a 3-0 halftime deficit at White Hart Lane. Spurs looked set for a famous victory, with goals from Dean Richards, Les Ferdinand, and Christian Ziege in the first half, putting them in a comfortable commanding position. Yet, Manchester United came out firing in the second half. Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastián Verón, and David Beckham all found the back of the net to turn the match on its head. The game showcased United’s firepower and ability to score goals in quick succession, even from seemingly impossible positions, which is what Manchester United is all about.
Manchester United 1-6 Tottenham (October 4, 2020)
One of the darkest days for Manchester United in recent years, this game saw Tottenham deliver a stunning 6-1 thrashing at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes had given United the lead early on with a penalty, but Spurs responded emphatically. Tanguy Ndombele, Son Heung-min, Harry Kane, and Serge Aurier were all on target as Tottenham took advantage of Anthony Martial’s first-half red card to pile on the misery. The result was an embarrassment to United and drew harsh criticism from everywhere. It stands out to be one of United’s heaviest defeats in Premier League history. Needless to say, it was a day to forget for any United fan.
Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham (May 12, 1999)
This fixture is etched in Manchester United's history as it played a crucial part in their famous treble-winning season. United needed a win to secure the Premier League title, but it didn’t start well for them, with Les Ferdinand putting Spurs ahead. However, David Beckham and Andy Cole turned the game around, scoring the goals that handed United a 2-1 win. This victory ensured United lifted the Premier League trophy, setting them up for the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League triumphs that followed in that historic season. The win just was another close encounter that saw United winning the treble in literally the last gameweek, with the FA Cup and the Champions League wins also coming with late dramas and replays involved. Needless to say, it is my favourite United-Tottenham game.
Whether it’s incredible comebacks or heavy defeats, the fixture rarely disappoints. Manchester United locks horns with Tottenham for yet another pulsating fixture.
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