Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur on Monday hoping to prove that last week’s defeat at Brighton was merely a blip.
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Paul Pogba’s late penalty gave the 3-2 scoreline a somewhat flattering look and manager Jose Mourinho will undoubtedly demand a better performance against Spurs.
Victories over Newcastle United and Fulham were the perfect start to the campaign for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, although they were functional rather than spectacular in both games.
United could be strengthened by Alexis Sanchez’s return to the starting XI. He missed last week’s game with a knock, but may return along with Nemanja Matic and Antonio Valencia.
Matic’s presence in the starting line-up would also be a major boost, offering extra protection in front of the defence.
Heung-min Son is unlikely to be available for Spurs due to his participation in the Asian Games for South Korea.
Victor Wanyama, Juan Foyth, Cameron-Carter Vickers and Josh Onomah are all ruled out, but midfielder Harry Winks is back in full training and could be named amongst the substitutes.
United beat Spurs 1-0 at Old Trafford last season, the third time in row they had defeated the London club by a single goal at home in the Premier League.
Spurs went on to record a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture, but the Red Devils won 2-1 when the two sides met in the FA Cup semi-final during April.
Many pundits have accused United of losing the fear factor at home, yet they have lost just one of their last 12 games at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
It is no secret that Mourinho was unhappy with the club’s transfer business this summer, but Monday’s game gives him an ideal opportunity to show that he won’t allow it to affect his team’s performances.
A victory over Spurs would set United up nicely for what appears to be a favourable run of games next month.
Burnley (A), Watford (A), Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) and West Ham United (A) doesn’t look the most challenging set of fixtures and 15 points between now and the end of September could put a whole different complexion on the campaign.
However, United must not look beyond Monday’s clash with Spurs. With Manchester City likely to pick up three points at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, Mourinho’s side can ill-afford to drop another result at this early stage of the season.
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