In the first game at Old Trafford under British millionaire Jim Ratcliffe, United let a lead slip twice against Tottenham. Sunday saw Tottenham come back from behind twice to draw 2-2 at Manchester United in the Premier League. Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire, viewed his first game at Old Trafford since he and the other owners consented to an agreement for a minority ownership.
Ratcliffe’s decision to purchase a 25% share and take management of the soccer department has given the club, whose owners, the Glazer family, have failed to keep it at the top of the English game, some hope. Though it is a long way back, and Ratcliffe is getting an initial glimpse at the task he is taking on in the Spurs draw, fans will still object to the Americans’ participation, however minimal.
Growing up a United fan, the 71-year-old Ratcliffe was seated in the directors’ box at Old Trafford next to former manager Alex Ferguson. He only needed to wait three minutes to rejoice when summer signing Rasmus Hojlund struck a shot that found the roof of the net.
After his sixth goal in as many Premier League games, Richarlison headed in an equalizer from a corner in the 19th minute. However, Marcus Rashford gave the home team a one-two with Hojlund in the 40th, giving them the lead once more.
When Rashford met Christian Eriksen’s deep corner with an unconventional volley across goal, he attempted to add a second, but Spurs quickly woke up. Pedro Porro’s attempt may be considered easily blocked, but Timo Werner, a rookie for Spurs, had a looping header that needed to be stopped by Jonny Evans.
Richarlison used muscle in a crowded six-yard box to look home when Porro swung in from the left, extending Spurs’ league-scoring run to a club-record 33 games. United kept up the pressure, which resulted in a goal in the 40th minute.
After a one-two with Hojlund at the periphery of the 18-yard box, Rashford touched the ball and blasted a low shot into the bottom corner. Spurs came dangerously close in stoppage time when Romero sprang himself to meet a corner and sent a header smashing off the bar. Rashford was denied as he attempted to add another.
The visitors appeared most likely to score when Richarlison forced Onana into a low save and Werner hooked over, however, they were unable to take advantage of their numerous set-piece opportunities.
