PREMIER LEAGUE

MANCHESTER UNITED VS TOTTENHAM

14/01/2024 – 18:30

The Red Devils picked up their first win of 2024 with a 2-0 victory over Wigan in the FA Cup third round. Portuguese duo Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes got on the scoresheet for United, but that was expected over the League One club.

However, Erik Ten Hag’s men have struggled to find the back of the net. Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has proven to be an immense workhorse, but only managed one goal (a winner against Aston Villa) in the League. It is an ongoing concern, as they have managed just 22 goals in the Premier League – only the bottom-two sides have netted fewer heading into this round. Injuries have plagued United, but some key names (Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire) will be making their return and could feature this weekend.

Ange Postecoglou’s men have scored in all their 22 games in all competitions. Postecoglou began life in North London, with a resounding 2-0 win over United in the reverse fixture and is on course to do a double for the first time since the 89/90 season. Spurs won four of their last five and six points away from the summit. Tottenham’s own injury situation has directed them into the transfer market. Timo Werner is already through the door and with Radu Drăgușin soon to follow, it could be a welcome boost for Ange.

Werner might not feature at once, but it will be curious to see how Postecoglou chooses to deploy him with Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, and Brennan Johnson, especially if James Maddison returns too. None of those options are close to the level of Heung-Min Son, but perhaps Spurs can find the right combination to make up for his absence over the next month. Alejandro Garnacho has been in stellar form for the Red Devils this season and is the player to watch out for, while his teammate Kobbie Mainoo, continues to improve and look so smooth and composed on the ball in every game he plays. Both will be a threat on Sunday.

Manchester United Possible Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
• Defenders: D. Dalot, J. Evans, R. Varane, A. Wan-Bissaka
• Midfielders: C. Eriksen, K. Mainoo, A. Garnacho, B. Fernandes, M. Rashford
• Forwards: R. Hojlund

Tottenham Hotspur Possible Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: G. Vicario
• Defenders: P. Porro, C. Lenglet, B. Davies, D. Udogie
• Midfielders: D. Kulusevski, G. Lo Celso, B. Johnson
• Forwards: Richarlison

United’s inconsistency has been a major issue this season, but if they can defend well, they could nick a goal and secure three precious points.