Erik ten Hag welcomes Ange Postecoglou to the North West as Manchester United hosts Spurs in a Sunday installation of the Premier League.
With both European-chasing sides yet to kickstart their campaign, a win feels like a critical obligation even at this early stage.
A return of seven points from a possible 15 has produced the expected response for both managers, with a growing sense of frustration developing across respective fanbases.
For Ten Hag, calls for his head have already begun, with little to no consideration for everything that has been and gone throughout a hugely contentious summer.
His side is amongst the best in England for chance creation and expected goals – but his attackers have yet to find their shooting boots, with a collection of golden opportunities repeatedly squandered.
Despite the sense of doom and gloom around the Theatre of Dreams, the prospect of a tactical click appears to be surfacing, and the benefits of momentum could yield a dramatic shift in fortunes.
Historically, this fixture supplies action, talking points and an abundance of goals. Let’s hope today is the day the Dutchman’s forward line finally delivers.
Team News
Despite a disappointing midweek draw with FC Twente, there were no fresh injury concerns for the manager.
Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount have earned additional minutes on the training field, and both have pushed themselves into contention for a starting birth.
Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof, and Leny Yoro continue their rehabilitation from injury and remain unavailable for selection.
Interestingly, the condition of Son Heung-min is unclear, with the Spurs captain’s early departure against Qarabag reportedly because of a possible injury.
His presence, or lack of it, could supply a significant bearing on the outcome of this fixture.
Confident of a return to form
“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 told media on Thursday.
The form of Bruno Fernandes is a common talking point alongside the lack of goals for this first team. The manager addressed the form and status of his captain.
“I think the team brings him in a situation,” he added. “I think he is capable, and he has proven already, so many times in the Premier League, he can create many chances.
“I am convinced he will not do differently. He will come on this point – he will find his form. He is already creating chances, but he will make final passes – he will score goals. One hundred per cent, and it is just a matter of time.”
There have been 24 goals scored in the last seven meetings between Manchester United and Spurs, with the Reds hitting two or more in six.
Marcus Rashford appears to be returning to his menacing best, with several promising performances in recent weeks.
The Wythenshawe man has featured 16 times against the Londoners, notching six goals and an assist. I expect a big performance from the 26-year-old this evening.
History bodes well for Ten Hag, with Manchester United holding an imperious record of 24 Premier League home wins against Spurs.
A deserving Old Trafford faithful are expecting to add to this today.
How do you see this one playing out?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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