Rasmus Højlund returns as Manchester United prepares to face Spurs.

2024-09-24

As Manchester United seek redemption for a string of disappointing results, the stage is set for a thrilling battle at Old Trafford against a revitalized Tottenham Hotspur, eager to extend their unbeaten run against the Red Devils in the Premier League.

Manchester United

Manchester United are coming off a 1-1 draw with FC Twente in their opening UEFA Europa League fixture. "We didn't finish it off; we had to go for the second goal, and so they [FC Twente] stay alive, and we get punished with a mistake from ourselves," Erik ten Hag said after the draw.

The Red Devils will reconvene on home soil for Sunday’s clash against Spurs, following last weekend’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace. Manchester United are currently in 11th place with 7 points from five Premier League games (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses) ahead of their home game against Tottenham.

Erik ten Hag will be hoping the Red Devils' strong home form against Spurs will be a factor. The hosts have won 24 Premier League home games against Tottenham – only Arsenal have beaten an opponent more often at home in the competition’s history, with 25 victories against Everton.

However, Manchester United have lost seven of their last 19 Premier League home games, achieving 9 wins and 3 draws in that time. "I think it will be a very intense game. It always is against Tottenham, and I think it is also our style as well. So, I think it is going to be a very dynamic, attractive game," Ten Hag said in a pre-match press conference.

A 4-2-3-1 formation with Joshua Zirkzee in attack is expected against Tottenham. Rasmus Højlund, who returned in the midweek Europa League clash against Twente, is expected to play a role off the bench against Spurs. "Rasmus is back, of course, and now he has to come up to full fitness, full speed, and he can score a goal, we know that. He’s very good in the box," Ten Hag noted.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur were more successful than their English counterparts in the UEFA Europa League after an opening day 3-0 win over ten-men Qarabag FK. [DWLLW]

On Sunday, they aim to secure three consecutive victories across all competitions when they face Manchester United, following last weekend’s 3-1 win over Brentford in the London derby. The victory put Spurs on equal points with Manchester United, but a better goal difference places them right above the Red Devils before this meeting.

After enduring four consecutive Premier League defeats against Manchester United between 2021 and 2022, Tottenham are now unbeaten in their last three league encounters with the team [1W, 2D, 0L]. They will be looking to maintain this unbeaten streak at Old Trafford this weekend.

A 4-3-3 formation is expected, featuring Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, and Heung Min-son in attack.