Solanke's late header earns 10-man Spurs 1-1 draw at Man United as Carrick's side hit 40-year low

Manchester United let a winning position slip at Old Trafford on Saturday as Dominic Solanke's stoppage-time header gave 10-man Tottenham Hotspur a 1-1 draw. Bryan Mbeumo had put Michael Carrick's side ahead in the 73rd minute. Moments later Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off, but Spurs still found an equaliser. United have now made their worst start to a league season in four decades. For fans in Malaysia, the Matchweek 6 game kicked off at 12.30am on Sunday.

How the game unfolded

For the first hour Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham were the better side. They kept the ball well and created openings, but could not score. Carrick changed the game with three substitutions in the 59th minute, and the home side improved straight away.

The breakthrough came when Mbeumo turned away from Jan Paul van Hecke and drove a low shot towards the far post. Old Trafford barely had time to enjoy the lead. A few minutes later Bentancur, who had come off the bench for Lucas Bergvall, was shown a straight red card for a head-butt on Luke Shaw.

United could not use the extra man. Two minutes into stoppage time Sandro Tonali swung a cross to the back post and Solanke got the touch that levelled the game. Boos followed at the final whistle.

United's worst start since 1986-87

The draw leaves United with one win, three draws and two defeats from six league games: six points. Goal reported that this is their lowest total at this stage of a league season since 1986-87, when they had four points after six matches. NBC Sports had United 12th after the game.

It is also the second league game in a row in which United have failed to beat a side down to 10 men. In their previous league game they lost the Manchester derby 1-0 to City in similar circumstances.

Carrick did not dodge the reaction from the stands. He said he understood the fans' frustration and admitted that two late goals had now cost his team. "It hurts a lot because I care about this club," he said. He rejected the idea that his players lack confidence, saying a game can slip away very quickly.

There was one positive. Carlos Baleba, signed from Brighton in the summer, made his United debut after recovering from injury.

Spurs off the bottom, but still without a win

For Tottenham, the late point lifted them off the foot of the table to 18th. They are still without a league win under De Zerbi. According to Goal, this is only the fourth time in the club's history that Spurs have gone winless through their first six league games, after 1912-13, 1955-56 and 2008-09.

De Zerbi's substitutions had mixed results. Omar Marmoush replaced Mohammed Kudus, and Bentancur's red card came only minutes after he came on. Still, Spurs' first-hour display and their response to going behind with 10 men gave the travelling fans something to hold on to.

What it means

Both clubs went into the weekend under pressure, and neither got the win it needed. United gave away a lead they had held for nearly 20 minutes against weaker opposition. Spurs showed spirit, but six games without a win leaves them deep in the relegation fight this early in the season.

Key takeaways

• Manchester United 1-1 Tottenham: Mbeumo scored in the 73rd minute and Solanke equalised two minutes into stoppage time.
• Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for a head-butt on Luke Shaw shortly after United's goal.
• United have six points from six games, their lowest total at this stage since 1986-87.
• Spurs moved off the bottom to 18th but are still winless under Roberto De Zerbi.

FAQ

What was the final score between Manchester United and Tottenham? The game ended 1-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday 10 October 2026. Bryan Mbeumo scored for United and Dominic Solanke equalised for Spurs.

Why was Rodrigo Bentancur sent off? The Tottenham midfielder was shown a straight red card for a head-butt on Luke Shaw, a few minutes after United went ahead.

How bad is Manchester United's start to the season? United have six points from six league games (W1 D3 L2). That is their lowest total at this stage of a league season since 1986-87, when they had four.

Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN, NBC Sports, Goal