The two knights sat side by side in the directors’ box represented the past and future of Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams contained Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s favourite players of his six decades as a supporter, in Eric Cantona, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. But if Rasmus Hojlund staked a claim to become the prospective co-owner’s current favourite, the reality is that his £1.3bn will buy him a 29 per cent share of a club currently in seventh place.
As Ratcliffe watched United in the flesh for the first time since the Glazers accepted his offer, Erik ten Hag’s team displayed their inconsistency within the space of 90 compelling minutes, showcasing strengths and weaknesses, at least offering a level of entertainment. Since the start of December, they have had three flawed but action-packed affairs against Old Trafford, against Chelsea, Aston Villa and now Tottenham; with better decision-making in attack or more solidity at the back, this could have been a third major win. Instead, a 2-2 draw can provide Spurs with a level of satisfaction. A weakened team twice came from behind and preserved an eight-point gap to United. Should any kind of deficit remain, Ratcliffe’s latest investment are unlikely to play in next season’s Champions League.
