Manchester United return to Premier League action at Old Trafford on Sunday as Spurs pose a real challenge.
Things are not going too well at Old Trafford right now.
An uneasy start to the easy sees Manchester United currently sitting outside the top 10 in the Premier League. Just two wins in the opening five means this game is already in must-win territory for Erik ten Hag.
The mood at the club was lowered even further by the frustrating 1-1 draw with Twente in which we had to witness a very poor display.
However, despite all the negatives, United will feel that things are close to clicking with 17 missed big chances in the league backing that belief.
Now, ahead of the Sunday outing against Spurs here is how we think Ten Hag will line-up his side.
How Manchester United will line-up vs Spurs
For United, there are some key team selection decisions now available to Ten Hag thanks to the return of Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount.
Meanwhile, big decisions remain on the wing as well, with three names battling for two places.
Here’s how we think United will line-up against Spurs.
Andre Onana
Starting in goal we expect without a doubt that Andre Onana will be starting, despite his poor effort to save the Twente goal on Wednesday. Onana has kept back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League and will look to continue this here.
Noussair Mazraoui
In at right-back will be Noussair Mazraoui, with the Moroccan international being among the standout performers so far this season. His £12m fee looks more and more like a bargain.
Matthijs de Ligt
Moving into central defence, Matthijs de Ligt starts as he will be keen on continuing his impressive form which has contributed to the back-to-back clean sheets.
Lisandro Martinez
Alongside De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez will start. The Argentine has been irreplaceable this season for Ten Hag and that should continue here as he comes up against his international teammate who says Martinez is the world’s best.
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
Diogo Dalot
In at left-back Diogo Dalot starts again as he has made the position his own, playing inverted and being the extra man needed in midfield. But as we saw for the Twente goal, he also needs to cover the natural full-back position to avoid selection.
Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte has had the time to bed into United now, so a Premier League start must be close and we’d play him here against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Kobbie Mainoo
Partnering with Ugarte from the start for the first time, Kobbie Mainoo should replace Christian Eriksen after being rested mid-week against Twente. This could be the start of United’s new partnership which can last for years.
Alejandro Garnacho
Moving into the attack, the wing positions are always difficult to predict with three in form for United. But with Amad Diallo playing the last two games, we imagine it will be his turn for a rest here and therefore Alejandro Garnacho should start on the right.
Bruno Fernandes
In the No.10 position, we expect will be Bruno Fernandes – this despite his poor performance against Twente as we expect he will improve at some point, otherwise, Mason Mount might get his chance.
Marcus Rashford
On the left, Marcus Rashford will start after he caught the eye against Twente with some great moments. Hopefully, he gets himself back among the goals against Spurs.
- READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace
Joshua Zirkzee
Starting up front, Joshua Zirkzee should once again feature after an impressive display against Crystal Palace. He is becoming a pivotal part of the team.
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