HP Terbaru 2023 – Man United meet Spurs in lunchtime kickoff

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By Filip Mishov

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Is Carrick the man to end United’s dreadful run against Spurs?

Manchester United’s revival under Michael Carrick continued with a dramatic Fergie-time winner against Fulham at Old Trafford, courtesy of Benjamin Šeško, and now, the rejuvenated Red Devils sit firmly in the top four after recording three straight victories under their interim coach. Looking further back, the in-form squad is on a seven-match (4W, 3D) unbeaten run, the longest in the Premier League at the moment, making them the only undefeated side in the top flight this calendar year.

However, given United’s recent record against Tottenham Hotspur, a monumental challenge awaits the English coach as they look to end their four-year wait for a win over his another of the sides that Carrick played for with distinction.

The Dominic Solanke-inspired comeback against Manchester City sparked a bit of life into Thomas Frank‘s project, but Spurs are still sitting in 14th place, closer to the relegation zone than to the top four.

Despite their European form once again being good, the reigning Europa League champions are on a six-match (4D, 2L) winless streak in the Premier League, and without a victory in 2026. The Lilywhites boast a difficult run of fixtures in February, but their away form (joint-fourth) and recent record (5W, 3D in all competitions) against their opponents today offers them hope ahead of their trip to Manchester. Spurs’ last defeat to United across all competitions dates back to 2022.

Key players

Kobbie Mainoo is making a late attempt to impress Thomas Tuchel and rejoin the England fold ahead of the World Cup, with his latest performances proving that Ruben Amorim was wrong to ignore the young midfielder’s talent. The 20-year-old has started and played 90 minutes in each of the previous three matches under the new coach, averaging a FotMob rating of 7.2. Also, the Englishman is the squad’s best midfielder based on his pass success (87.8) and successful long balls (73.3) despite playing considerably less minutes (498) than Manuel Ugarte (750), Casemiro (1558) and Bruno Fernandes (1807) in the Premier League.

With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both injured and yet to play this season, the playmaking burden may fall on Xavi Simons to deliver, and the attacking midfielder’s performances have been on the rise in 2026 with the Barcelona youth product product averaging a FotMob rating of 7.5 across all competitions in this calendar year. Additionally, the Dutch international is leading the Spurs ranks in terms of big chances created (5), xA per 90 (0.21), and possession won in the final 3rd per 90 (1.2), displaying a variety of qualities which make him the squad’s main creative force.

Team news

Mason Mount missed the last match due to a knock and the Englishman is still doubtful, while Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu are the only guaranteed absentees. 

Spurs have no less than nine first-team players ruled out through injury, but Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence are expected to return and provide a big defensive boost.

Prediction

With the free-firing hosts averaging 2.6 goals per match during Michael Carrick’s short reign and already equalling their total goal tally from last season (44 goals), it is difficult to imagine Spurs preventing Matheus Cunha & co. from scoring, and even though their four victories against United from last season will give them confidence of securing a positive result, I expect the Red Devils to continue their revival by celebrating another important win at Old Trafford.

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(Cover image from IMAGO)

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