Ronaldo heroics & historic comebacks: Four unforgettable classics vs Tottenham that Man United will never forget

Manchester United are set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend.

The two sides last met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season, playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw that showcased the attacking firepower on both sides.

Over the years, clashes between these two clubs have consistently delivered goals and moments that live long in the memory.

With another showdown approaching, here is a look back at four unforgettable victories that perfectly capture United’s dominance and drama against Spurs.

Man United 3-2 Tottenham, March 2022

For a new generation of fans, seeing Cristiano Ronaldo back in a United shirt felt like footballing fantasy made real.

Let’s be honest, it did not end perfectly, but nights like this were pure cinema for Old Trafford.

The Theatre of Dreams witnessed a Ronaldo masterclass as the Portuguese icon rolled back the years with a sensational hat-trick.

Ronaldo twice fired United into the lead, only for Spurs to fight their way back into the contest.

However, legends always have the final word.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner sealed the night with a dramatic 81st-minute winner, sending Old Trafford into raptures.

This one was surely for his footballing father and the club icon Sir Alex Ferguson.

Tottenham 0-4 Man United, February 2007

United delivered a ruthless away performance at White Hart Lane, tearing Spurs apart in a dominant second-half display.

Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

Goals from Paul Scholes, Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs ensured a comfortable victory before goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar broke his nose.

Ferguson had used all three of his substitutes by this moment (yes, five substitutions are a luxury in modern game).

Defender John O’Shea pulled on the goalkeeper’s jersey, producing one of the most bizarre moments in Premier League history.

In one unforgettable moment, O’Shea even acted as a sweeper keeper, racing off his line to shut down a one-on-one chance.

The game also gave birth to a cult chant that still raises smiles today: “You’ll never beat O’Shea.”

Man United 5-2 Tottenham, April 2009

Few games reflect the fighting mentality of the Red Devils better than this evening.

Tottenham stunned United by racing into a 2–0 lead, threatening to derail their title push.

Writing United off has never been a wise idea.

Braces from Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo, along with a goal from Dimitar Berbatov, powered a breathtaking comeback.

What made the victory even sweeter was its massive significance in the title race.

The result took United three points clear of Liverpool at the summit.

The Red Devils would go on to lift the Premier League trophy, finishing four points ahead of their bitter rivals.

Tottenham 3-5 Man United, September 2001

This remains one of the greatest comebacks in Premier League and Manchester United history.

Tottenham went into half-time in a buoyant mood after scoring three times, believing they had one hand on a famous victory.

Ferguson, whose team talk at the interval included the famous words “Lads, it’s Tottenham”, declared his intentions by unleashing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for Nicky Butt at the interval.

What followed was pure chaos for Spurs.

Goals from Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham completed a scarcely believable five-goal second-half blitz.

The White Hart Lane crowd was stunned into silence, having been cheering every Tottenham pass just 45 minutes earlier.

Even today, United supporters still point to this game as the ultimate reminder of Tottenham’s painful reputation for dramatic collapses.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .