Manchester United v Tottenham classic matches

The pair are locked together on 20 points, five points behind leaders Manchester City.

Here, we look back at six classic encounters between the sides.

Manchester United 3 Tottenham 3 (August 12, 1967)

Goalkeeper Pat Jennings was on the scoresheet for Spurs (Don Morley/Empics)

Charity Shields are often forgettable occasions but this was an exception. Spurs went two up, with their second goal scored by goalkeeper Pat Jennings with a punt downfield that bounced over a despairing Alex Stepney. Bobby Charlton drew United level thanks to two thumping finishes and, after Frank Saul had put Spurs back in front, Denis Law equalised once again. The sides shared the trophy, holding it for six months each.

Manchester United 2 Tottenham 1 (February 6, 1971)

George Best inspired United to victory over Spurs in 1971 (PA)

A game remembered for one moment of genius from George Best. When an attempted clearance came to him 12 yards out, Best controlled the ball on his chest then delicately lobbed it in a perfect arc over keeper Jennings and three defenders into the net.

Manchester United 3 Tottenham 3 (December 7, 1986)

Norman Whiteside spent seven years at Manchester United (Peter Robinson/Empics)

In terms of drama, this encounter arguably tops them all. United took a 2-0 lead through Norman Whiteside and Peter Davenport but a brilliant diving header from Gary Mabbutt halved the deficit before Kevin Moran’s own goal levelled things up. Clive Allen then gave Spurs the lead only for Davenport to earn a point with a last-minute penalty.

Manchester United 2 Tottenham 1 (May 16, 1999)

Andy Cole scored the crucial winner in 1999 (Mike Egerton/Empics)

The first part of United’s historic treble arrived when they defeated Spurs to win the Premier League title. It was a strange occasion for Tottenham fans, with United battling their arch rivals Arsenal. There were decidedly mixed feelings when Les Ferdinand put the visitors ahead but United fought back to win thanks to goals from David Beckham and Andy Cole.

Tottenham 3 Manchester United 5 (September 29, 2001)

Juan Sebastian Veron helped United to a famous comeback (John Walton/Empics)

A match that 16 years on still gives Spurs fans nightmares. It had all looked so rosy at half-time when the hosts led 3-0 thanks to goals from Dean Richards, Les Ferdinand and Christian Ziege. But Andy Cole pulled one back for United a minute after the break and they went on to secure one of the most famous victories of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, with Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham completing the remarkable turnaround.

Manchester United 5 Tottenham 2 (April 25, 2009)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second-half penalty to spark a stunning Manchester United comeback (Martin Rickett/PA)

Eight years after their White Hart Lane nightmare, it was deja vu for Spurs fans, who could dream of a first win at Old Trafford in 20 years when Darren Bent and Luka Modric put them two up at half-time. Back came United, who pulled one back in the 57th minute through a controversial Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. They added four more in the next 22 minutes, with Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney braces adding to one from Dimitar Berbatov.