Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet with the return of the Premier League on Saturday at 5:30pm.
It’s both sides’ first game back after the extended international break, and both managers are in desperate need for a win. Tottenham travel to Old Trafford bottom of the table with just two points from their opening five games. They also only scored their first two league goals of the season in their defeat to Aston Villa last time out.
Man Utd, meanwhile, have won just one of their opening five league games and went into the international break winless in three. After a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town, Man Utd have drawn with Everton and Fulham away, while losing to Manchester City at Old Trafford.
The sorry states have Roberto De Zerbi and Michael Carrick as joint-favourites to be the first Premier League manager sacked this season. The Red Devils did beat Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford last season, ending a run of eight games without victory in this fixture.
Man Utd vs Tottenham team news
Man Utd team news
There will be a lot of late fitness tests ahead of Man Utd’s first game back. Marcus Rashford had to pull out of the England squad after picking up an injury in Man Utd’s draw with Fulham. But he should he okay to feature this weekend. It’s a similar story for Kobbie Mainoo who is expected to start at Old Trafford after withdrawing from the England squad with an issue.
The biggest news for Man Utd over the international break was Patrick Dorgu’s injury. Dorgu looked to have suffered a hamstring injury while representing Denmark against Wales, having to come off in the first half. So he could be out for at least a few weeks. But Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo came through unscathed.
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were not on international duty so will be well-rested, while Lisandro Martinez was playing in Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday morning. He’s still likely to start for Man Utd, but may need resting late on. Leny Yoro is another option and Matthijs de Ligt could also be available after injury.
Tottenham team news
De Zerbi could be without two of his first-choice back four for the trip to Old Trafford. Pedro Porro had to come off injured in the defeat to Aston Villa before the international break and is not ready to return. He was replaced after just 19 minutes by Archie Gray, who is in line to start here.
Jan Paul van Hecke suffered an injury while on international duty with the Netherlands, and missed their final two matches. Netherlands manager Xavi admitted that Van Hecke was in so much pain that he wasn’t able to touch the ball. Tottenham are unlikely to risk Van Hecke so soon, so Marcos Senesi may start in his stead. But Micky van de Ven should be fine to play despite suffering a hand injury over the international break. Andy Robertson is likely continue at left-back.
There may also be a change in the attack. Dominic Solanke has struggled leading the line since his return, and Omar Marmoush may be trusted instead for the trip to Old Trafford. Savio may then switch over to the left wing, with Mohammed Kudus coming in on the right. Mateus Fernandes should continue in the No.10, with James Maddison on the bench. Sandro Tonali and Rodrigo Bentacur are building a partnership in the double pivot.
Man Utd vs Tottenham predicted lineups
Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, B Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.
Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Gray, Senesi, van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Bentancur; Kudus, M Fernandes, Savio; Marmoush.