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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 15:06 GMT by BBC
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Manchester United clinch dramatic 3‑2 win over Tottenham to maintain title‑challenging lead

In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, Manchester United overturned a 2‑0 deficit to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 3‑2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. The comeback, highlighted by a late goal from Mason Greenwood and a decisive strike from Bruno Ferrer, gave United a three‑point boost in the Premier League and preserved their position at the top of the table. The game also offered a stark contrast to the Spurs’ season, whose defensive frailties and injury list have kept them on the brink of the relegation zone.

The opening half

The first 45 minutes were dominated by Spurs, who built on a robust defensive shape that had proven successful in the last six league games. Tottenham’s centre‑backs, Hugo Lloris and Ben White, kept the scoreline tight, while the midfield duo of Cristian Zaccardo and William Gordon set the tempo for a Spurs attack that had already produced three goals in their last six matches.

Manchester United, however, struggled to create clear chances, and the visitors were held 2‑0 down when the final whistle blew. In a post‑match interview, United’s manager Erik Ten Hag said: “We knew we were in a different league. We had to stay calm, but we didn’t have the same rhythm. It was a tough first half, but the team did what it had to do to get back into the game.”

A second‑half revival

The restart saw a tactical change from Ten Hag, who pushed James Maguire higher up the pitch and moved midfielder Antony into a more advanced role. The change immediately paid dividends. United’s midfield gained control, and in the 55th minute, Mason Greenwood fired a left‑footed finish past Lloris after a slick passing sequence involving Marcus Rashford and Bruno Ferrer. The goal sparked a counter‑attack that ended with a spectacular free‑kick from Ferrer, who curled the ball into the top corner to level the match at 2‑2.

Spurs then seemed to regain composure, but their striker Harry Kane was unable to find the back of the net after a missed penalty in the 72nd minute. United took advantage, with an attacking run from Anthony Walcott that drew a foul in the box. Ten Hag’s choice to play the ball out of the penalty area instead of taking a free‑kick was a gamble that paid off. The ball found Bruno Ferrer at the edge of the box, who shot calmly past Lloris for the winning goal. The goal was United’s 1,000th in the Premier League era, a milestone celebrated by the crowd and the players alike.

Key performances

• Mason Greenwood: His early goal and subsequent involvement in the buildup to the draw were pivotal. The young forward’s composure and positioning were praised by pundits.
• Bruno Ferrer: The Argentine striker’s poise in front of goal, especially his winner, highlighted his importance to United’s attack.
• James Maguire: Despite a poor first half, he recovered to play a key role in the second‑half offensive push.
• Hugo Lloris: The Tottenham captain kept the visitors at bay early on, but was eventually outplayed in the second half.

Tactical analysis

Ten Hag’s decision to switch to a more flexible midfield arrangement after the break proved to be a turning point. By allowing Maguire to push higher, United created a midfield “bridge” that facilitated quick passes and a higher pressing game. The switch from a 4‑4‑2 to a 4‑2‑3‑1 in the latter stages also provided more creativity in the midfield, enabling a smoother transition from defense to attack.

Spurs, on the other hand, failed to adjust after conceding two quick goals. Their midfield struggled to provide cover for the defense, and the lack of a third striker to support Kane left the team overly reliant on a single goal‑scoring outlet. Their failure to convert chances in the first half was highlighted in a linked BBC analysis that noted Tottenham had been “marginally out of the shape of their game” despite a robust defensive record.

Implications for the title race

United’s win extends their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points, with only 12 games left to play. They now sit comfortably ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea, whose performances have been inconsistent over the past two weeks. The article links to the current Premier League standings and the “Top scorers” list, which show that Rashford and Ferrer are joint top scorers with 16 goals each, while Kane remains at the bottom of the chart with just 3.

Tottenham, meanwhile, remain in the bottom six, having only 15 points from 15 matches. The article also links to a deeper look at Tottenham’s defensive record and the impact of injuries on their squad depth, highlighting that the loss of a key defender and the absence of several midfielders have severely hampered their defensive solidity.

Final thoughts

This match has re‑established Manchester United as genuine title contenders, while Tottenham’s season continues to be a story of “missed opportunities” and “inconsistent form.” The win underscores the importance of tactical flexibility and mental resilience in the Premier League, and it sets the stage for a dramatic final third of the season.

For more detailed coverage, the BBC has linked to related pieces such as:

• Premier League tables: an up‑to‑date snapshot of the standings.
• Manchester United’s season review: a comprehensive look at their performance so far.
• Tottenham Hotspur’s injury update: detailing the current fitness situation of the squad.
• Bruno Ferrer’s career overview: showing how his contribution has been pivotal for United.

With the momentum on their side, United will look to sustain their form in the coming fixtures, while Spurs will be scrambling to regain stability in hopes of escaping the drop zone.