Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur in a huge game for the race for Champions League football. After the disgraceful manner of the Derby defeat last Sunday, United relinquished their fourth spot after a few bad results. They need to build momentum again after losing quite a chunk in the last few weeks. What’s more is that Spurs are just two points behind United and with two games in hand. United have to push away from them and West Ham and hope Leicester can take points off Arsenal on Sunday. Lots of permutations this week in the Premier League. Here’s all you need to know:

Manchester United vs Tottenham Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur
Date: Saturday 12th March 2022
KO Time: 17:30 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Ralf Rangnick and Antonio Conte
Referee: Jonathan Moss

Team News:

Manchester United

United will be without Luke Shaw for another match as he suffers with COVID-19. Varane is back in training and may be rushed back into the squad for Spurs. McTominay is out with a calf problem and limits United’s midfield options. Cristano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani should be back for the match. Both scored in the away tie in November.

Tottenham Hotspur

Ryan Sessegnon came off against Everton and is unlikely to play. Skipp and Tanganga are long-term absentees and will not be ready to play. Other than that, Spurs have a full squad and are unlikely to change much.

Interesting Facts

• Manchester United have scored six goals against Spurs since Tottenham have last scored against United.
• Edinson Cavani has two goals in two games against Spurs. Bruno Fernandes has either scored or assisted in every match he has played against Tottenham.
• Jadon Sancho has two goals and two assists in his last five Premier League games.

• Manchester United lost this fixture 1-6 last season but that is only their second home defeat to Spurs in seven seasons, winning the other five.

Manchester United Predicted Team vs Tottenham:

I do believe Rangnick has to be ruthless after the derby but there’s not much in way of rotation anyway. I hope for a Henderson start here as he was outstanding in the 3-1 win this time last year. De Gea kicked the ball to everyone but a United player against City and was at fault for the fourth goal for that very reason.

I think Maguire has been given criticism unfairly for this game but has been much worse than last season. I would suggest his physicality will be needed to battle against Kane and so Varane will be necessary to combat Son and Kulusevski. Dalot may be swapped in after Wan-Bissaka’s torrid time against City but at the same time I would not want to see Dalot defend against Son. Telles will start.

In midfield I think Matic will be saved for Atletico as he was crucial when he came on. Fred and Pogba could play in a pivot but must both be wary of the Spurs’ counter and their press. Despite the poor form recently, Fernandes gives you chances, goals and (usually) a good work ethic.

Out wide, Sancho has to start and it would be great to see him take on Doherty or Emerson one-on-one. I would like Rashford to start too and alternate with his England compatriot regularly. I do want to see him drive at Reguilon but also track back and press with intensity. Ronaldo will start if ready but if not, the false nine with Pogba did not work and I would like Elanga to start up front in a pressing nine.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fred, Pogba; Rashford, Fernandes, Elanga; Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

I do expect a reaction from United but they have a white-hot Spurs side to face. They dismantled Everton but Everton are in even more of a disarray than United. The Spurs weaknesses can be exposed with a good game plan and one acted out properly. United have had a free week and plenty of time to rare up for the game. They have to show up and win. Simple. They are a better team than Spurs and have better players. There can be no excuses.

United to win 2-0