Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson in attendance (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United and Tottenham played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in front of the on-watching Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford.

With the British billionaire in attendance for the first time since his £1.3bn investment was confirmed, he was treated to a breathless affair between his side and Spurs.

Rasmus Hojlund gave United the lead within three minutes but Richarlison levelled from a set-piece in the 18th minute.

United took a lead into half-time when Marcus Rashford scored his first goal at Old Trafford this season but Rodrigo Bentancur equalised within two minutes of the restart to ensure the two sides shared the points.

Sitting next to Sir Alex Ferguson in the Directors’ Box, Ratcliffe witnessed United make a blistering start within three minutes.

Bruno Fernandes found Rashford on the left flank and Hojlund prevented the winger from getting a shot away but the Dane made amends by smashing a powerful effort into the roof of the net moments later.

But Spurs reacted brilliantly to falling behind, and settled almost instantly after the opener. The warning signs were there for United, with Diogo Dalot having to clear off the line from a corner but they were helpless to stop Richarlison nodding in from Pedro Porro’s corner after 18 minutes.

It was a deserved equaliser for the visitors, and the game continued its relentless pace until United dropped into a deeper block after 25 minutes. Giving up the ball to Spurs, the visitors started to dictate play and looked dangerous through new signing Timo Werner, who was making his Premier League debut.

But it was United that took a lead into the break, with a goal that was somewhat against the run of play. After a good interception in midfield, Fernandes fed Rashford on the left and he collected a one-two with Hojlund before passing the ball into the corner of the net.

Spurs continued to threaten from set pieces and Sergio Romero crashed a header against the bar just moments before half-time.

Ange Postecoglou’s side didn’t have to wait long to find the leveller. It came just two minutes after the restart when Werner played a neat pass into Rodrigo Bentancur and the midfielder arrowed a left-footed effort past Andre Onana.

With United being overrun in midfield, Scott McTominay was brought on after an hour to a bring a semblance of control to the game and he came close to putting the home side ahead within minutes but saw his effort from the edge of the box trickle past Vicario’s post.

United needed the win more than Spurs but both sides continued to pile forward in the latter stages in search of a winner.

McTominay had the chance to grab the winner with 50 seconds left of the five minutes added on but he couldn’t guide Garnacho’s cross in, with the Scot heading his effort over the bar.

The draw means United trail Arsenal in fourth by eight points, having played a game more. Spurs are level with their London rivals, having also played a game more than the Gunners.