Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur in today’s crucial Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils had a disappointing end to 2023 with four points from a possible 15 in the top-flight.
They have the opportunity to return to winning ways in the league against Spurs, who are missing key players such as Son Heung-min, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma due to international duty.
Ahead of the game, there could be several players returning to the squad after respective injuries and illnesses. We anticipate at least two changes from the 2-0 FA Cup third round win at Wigan Athletic.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana has been granted permission to continue with United for one more game before reporting for African Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon. He will be aiming to go on a high with another clean sheet. He is currently tied with Alisson and Jordan Pickford with six shut-outs in the Golden Glove race.
In defence, we anticipate one change from the Latics game. Earlier last week, manager Erik ten Hag hinted that Shaw could return from injury to face Spurs. The Englishman should be reinstated in the left-back role with Diogo Dalot moving into his preferred right-back position.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will drop to the bench. Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans could remain the central defensive pairing. Lisandro Martinez is not far away from making a comeback. The FA Cup tie against Newport County or Eastleigh could be an ideal time to reintroduce him back to action.
In midfield, Ten Hag should go with a more attacking line-up against a Spurs side missing two of their main defensive midfielders. Kobbie Mainoo is currently an undisputed starter in the number six role. Casemiro could find it hard to displace him when he returns to the squad.
Scott McTominay was far from impressive in the trip to the DW Stadium, squandering three chances to find the back of the net. He is likely to drop to the bench with Christian Eriksen being reintroduced. The Dane looks set to face his former employers after recovering from illness.
In attack, no changes are on the cards. Alejandro Garnacho has made the right wing position his own with regular goal contributions. Bruno Fernandes is an assured starter from the number 10 spot as the captain. He remains the club’s most creative player at the current point.
Marcus Rashford has yet to replicate his scoring form from last season, but Ten Hag should persist with him on the left wing with his improved displays lately. Rasmus Hojlund has only one league goal to his name, but he has not received sufficient service to make an impact.
The Dane will be hoping for better distribution to him such that he can make his mark.
How Man Utd could line up vs Spurs
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
