Paul Pogba returned to action since 26th December to win the late penalty that earned Man United a crucial point at Tottenham
Pogba had not played for almost six months because of an ankle injury. Emerged a second-half substitute, the World Cup winner demonstrated he has the creativity to make a difference as United battled for a place in the top four.
United keeper, De Gea was badly at fault when he failed to stop Steven Bergwijn’s powerful 27th-minute drive. Relief could be noticed around the visitors just before Pogba surged into the area before he was clumsily hauled down by Eric Dier.
In the behind closed doors match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fernandes equalized with an emphatic penalty.
Spurs survived a last-minute scare as referee Jon Moss pointed to the spot again when Dier collided with Fernandes. However, the VAR correctly reserved a poor decision.
De Gea made a measure of amends with a superb save from Son Heung-Min shortly after his error. On the other hand, Hugo Lloris made a magnificent flying save from Anthony Martial as United chased an equalizer.
It finally arrived via that Fernandes spot-kick nine minutes from time to leave United in fifth place, four points ahead of Spurs.
Pogba shows Solskjaer his class
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer kept faith with the side that went 11 games unbeaten in all competitions as their season restarted. This meant no place for Pogba despite his recovery from injury.
It was no surprise, however, when he was called into action just after the hour to inject some zest into what had been a lifeless United performance up to that point.
Pogba was rightly in the fray making an instant shot. Moreover, he made his most significant contribution when he tricked Dier in the area and drew a foul from the Spurs defender to win that point-saving a penalty.
This was a timely reminder to Solskjaer, should he even need one, of the rare talent he has at his disposal if Pogba could only show consistency and put the speculation about his future behind him.
De Gea did not have such a good night. There were already questions about his form before this game and he produced another error here.