United welcome Ange Postecoglu’s Tottenham hotspur to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, in a game that feels like a genuine ‘must-win’ for Manchester United and, in particular, under-pressure manager Erik Ten Hag.
Spurs have endured a similarly mixed start to the season, and sit one place above United in tenth – both are on 7 points but Spurs have the better goal difference.
This really is a massive game for both teams – a win for United will be a huge boost and will give them confidence going into two tricky away games against Villa and Fenerbache. A defeat would leave us in the bottom half of the table with huge question marks over the manager’s future and ability to get performances out of his team.
Although United drew in the last league game against Palace, most people viewed that as a positive step forward, with the Reds playing well, dominating possession and creating numerous chances.
The Europa League game against Twente, however, was a clear regression. United had a decent first half but really petered out in the second, allowing the Dutch side – minnows in comparison to United – to equalise and hold on for a deserved draw.
The theme running through both matches was of United not taking chances and running out of steam in the second half. Tottenham is a clear step up in quality from both Crystal Palace and FC Twente; United will have to both play well and take their chances to get anything out of this game.
Manchester United Team News
Thankfully there were no fresh injury concerns after Thursday, with Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund both getting minutes. Manuel Ugarte made his full debut too, and had a solid first outing.
As a reminder, United’s injury list consists of Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw.
There will be big decisions for Erik Ten hag, particularly in midfield, where Cristian Eriksen has looked great, but Bruno Fernandes has looked well off it in the last few games. Does he drop his captain? Should Rasmus Hojlund be slotted back into the starting 11? Is this the wrong sort of game for Eriksen to flourish in? This is a lineup Ten hag really needs to get right.
Manchester United Possible Lineup
Spurs play a fast, intense high-pressing game, which won’t suit the likes of Cristian Eriksen and Casemiro, who benefit from time on the ball, and who have both struggled off the ball this season.
Ten Hag is quite a stubborn manager, who has shown reluctance to make changes to starting lineups in the past. He probably will start Bruno Fernandes, but I personally would like to see him rested, with Joshua Zirkzee given a start in his preferred playmaker position, and United looking to get the ball into his feet to play off him.
With that in mind, a possible starting line-up could be:
Onana;
Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot;
Mainoo, Ugarte;
Diallo, Zirkzee, Rashford;
Hojlund.
Opposition Preview
The big news for Spurs is that the talismanic Son Heung Min may miss out with a hamstring injury sustained mid-week in the Europa League; it is touch and go whether he will be available.
Tottenham’s Richarlison is still out with a long-term injury sustained in pre-season training, and dangerous young attacking midfielder Wilson Odobert will miss the game through a hamstring injury.
If Son is fit, Spurs’ starting lineup could be:
Vicario;
Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie;
Bentacur, Bissouma;
Kulusevski, Maddison, Son;
Solanke.
Form Guide
Manchester United form (all competitions): LLWWDD
Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions): DLDWWW
Prediction
Tottenham are a fast, dangerous, side, and a big step up from Palace and Twente. Unfortunately, at the moment I don’t trust United to perform at the right level to beat them.
I think both teams will score, and predict United to pick up their third draw on the bounce. Hopefully I’m proven wrong.
Manchester United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
