Matthijs de Ligt may have sparked scenes of jubilation among Manchester United supporters with his dramatic 96th-minute equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur, but the Dutch defender admitted he was left “upset” after the final whistle.
De Ligt’s late header rescued a crucial 2-2 draw for Ruben Amorim’s side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, denying Spurs a victory they thought they had sealed deep into stoppage time. United had fallen behind when Mathys Tel and Richarlison overturned Bryan Mbeumo’s opener, and with Benjamin Šeško forced off injured, Amorim’s men were down to 10 players for the closing stages.
Even goalkeeper Senne Lammens joined the attack as United won a last-minute corner, and it was Matthijs De Ligt who rose highest at the back post to nod home and salvage a dramatic point. Yet despite his heroics, the Netherlands international revealed he felt more frustration than joy.
“Luckily we got a point. I think we deserved more the way we played,” Matthijs De Ligt told TNT Sports after the match. “In the second half we were a little tired and couldn’t get out of our half. Their first goal was a bit lucky — I blocked the ball, and it goes in. It’s a difficult situation. I’m upset about that, but I’m proud of how the team fought back and got a point at a difficult stadium.”
Matthijs De Ligt added that United’s resilience this season has shown clear signs of progress under Amorim.
“Last year we lost to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, but now you see the fire in our bellies to fight and get something from these games. The season is long, and drawing matches like this is better than losing. We were dangerous, fast up front, and stable — I think we deserved a little more.”
Manager Ruben Amorim echoed his defender’s mixed emotions, pleased with the spirit but disappointed to drop points.
“We felt the three points were there to take home,” he said. “With everything that happened — Maguire and Casemiro coming off, conceding two goals — we still scored again, so it’s a point. When you cannot win, you don’t lose. We still have a lot to grow, but the belief to fight until the last minute is there.”
United’s draw keeps them within touching distance of the top four as Amorim’s rebuild continues to gather momentum.
