The Dutch defender struck in the 95th minute to deny Spurs a late win after Richarlison appeared to have completed the comeback moments earlier. The result leaves United seventh in the table, while Tottenham stay third after a tense and unpredictable contest in North London.

Tottenham created the first big chance on 17 minutes when Brennan Johnson delivered an inviting cross that Richarlison failed to connect with cleanly. United grew into the game and took the lead just after the half-hour mark, with Amad Diallo’s teasing ball met by Bryan Mbeumo, who nodded home at the far post.

Spurs pressed harder in the second half and thought they had equalised through Johnson, but the goal was ruled out for offside. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced two fine saves to maintain the lead as the hosts increased the pressure.

The breakthrough finally came in the 84th minute when substitute Mathys Tel showed brilliant control before his shot deflected off De Ligt and into the net to level the score. Tottenham’s momentum carried into stoppage time as Richarlison rose to head home Wilson Odobert’s flick-on, sending the home fans into celebration.

But the drama was not over. Down to ten men after Benjamin Sesko was forced off injured, United pushed forward one last time, and De Ligt powered in a header from a late corner to secure a point for Ruben Amorim’s side.

The draw preserved United’s remarkable 88-year streak of naming an academy player in every matchday squad, with 17-year-old Jack Fletcher son of club legend Darren Fletcher included on the bench. Amorim praised the tradition after the match, calling it “the foundation of the club’s identity.”

Benjamin Sesko’s evening ended in frustration after another brief cameo. The £74 million striker again started on the bench and limped off late in the game following a promising but goalless appearance. Amorim has urged patience with the young forward, saying his adaptation to the Premier League “will take time and understanding.”

For Tottenham, the result extended an unwanted record19 league games without a win when conceding first. Their slow start and lack of cutting edge in front of goal once again proved costly, despite a stronger second-half showing.

United remain inconsistent defensively, but the fightback offered encouragement as Amorim continues to mould his squad. Spurs, meanwhile, will take heart from their attacking resilience but know they must find greater ruthlessness if they are to maintain a top-four challenge.