Wayne Rooney came to United’s rescue once again as they claimed at point at White Hart Lane against a Spurs side itching to atone for last week’s 6-0 mauling at the Etihad against a rampant Manchester City side.
With Robin Van Persie missing once again thanks to a groin injury, the England striker was in the spotlight in an advanced striker role and, despite being without the experience of 40-year old Ryan Giggs in midfield, hauled United back into contention against Spurs. With only 18 months left on his current United contract it won’t be long before calls for a new deal for United’s best player become a loud clamour despite his recent clashes with the Old Trafford management.
Shinji Kagawa continued in the central number 10 role that he craved at United but didn’t have the same impact as he or the rest of the team did against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek. United instead relied on a poor defensive clearance and a questionable penalty call to save them as they faced the wrath of a hurt Spurs side.
Rooney equalised twice after Spurs had first taken the lead through a Kyle Walker free kick in the 18th minute which went under the leaping United wall. Walker himself misjudged a clearance in the 32nd minute from Phil Jones’ cross and handed his England colleague a free shot on goal which he duly buried.
The home support were ecstatic in the second half when Sandro took a break from his defensive responsibilities to hammer in a 54th minute wonder strike to give Spurs the lead but it was short lived as United quickly levelled matters again just three minutes later.
Hugo Lloris was harshly adjudged to have fouled Danny Welbeck to concede a penalty but Rooney was certainly not looking any gift horses in the mouth and duly levelled the game again from the penalty spot.
Spurs pushed for the winner but United were grateful to hang on at the end.