The match at Old Trafford ended 1-1, with Tottenham forced to play a man down following Rodrigo Bentancur's straight red card. Dominic Solanke scored the equalizer for the visitors in stoppage time, lifting Tottenham out of the bottom of the Premier League table.
Earlier, Bryan Mbeumo had put Manchester United ahead in the 73rd minute despite Tottenham controlling much of the play. But the hosts failed to make the most of their numerical advantage after Bentancur was sent off for headbutting Luke Shaw.
It is not the first time this season that United have squandered a man advantage. Last month, Manchester City won 1-0 at Old Trafford despite playing more than an hour with 10 men.
Solanke stooped to head in Sandro Tonali's cross, sealing the draw and leaving United with just six points from six games. Tottenham, who had three weeks of preparation during the international break after a poor start, also took only one point and remain 18th on goal difference.
Before kickoff, United supporters had criticized cross-town rivals Manchester City over alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. But from the first whistle, it was the hosts who struggled as Tottenham pressed forward.
Solanke had a chance to open the scoring but was denied by goalkeeper Senne Lammens, before Mohammed Kudus fired over from a well-worked move. After the break, Tottenham continued to create chances but could not convert them.
Manager Michael Carrick made three changes on the hour mark, sending on Carlos Baleba — a £70 million summer signing from Brighton — to strengthen midfield, while Joshua Zirkzee came on and Matheus Cunha dropped deeper. It was Cunha who set up Mbeumo to turn and finish into the far corner for the opening goal.
After Bentancur's red card, United failed to capitalize on their extra man. Solanke finally ended Tottenham's away scoring drought since May with a header past Lisandro Martinez to make it 1-1.
The result lifted Tottenham to 18th on goal difference, while United sit 12th on six points, three clear of the relegation zone.
