Manchester United take on Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, as they look to continue their good form under Michael Carrick
Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, aiming to maintain their winning streak under interim head coach Michael Carrick. The Red Devils have triumphed in all three matches under the ex-midfielder's guidance, sparking optimism for Champions League football at Old Trafford next season.
Carrick's squad will welcome Tottenham to their home ground in Saturday's early Premier League kick-off (12.30pm). Ahead of the match, they occupy fourth place in the league standings, a single point ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea.
Tottenham currently find themselves in 14th position, but managed to claw back from a 2-0 deficit at half-time to secure a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in their previous match last weekend. In the run-up to the Old Trafford clash, both managers have provided updates on their squad's availability.
Carrick shared worrying news about Matthijs de Ligt. The central defender has been absent from the last 12 games across all competitions due to a back issue.
Carrick confirmed that the upcoming match will come 'too soon' for the player. "Matta [De Ligt], he's working his way back, taking good steps and improving," the United interim manager stated in his pre-match press conference. "It's a little bit too soon at the moment but, hopefully, it won't be too long [before De Ligt is back]."
He could be joined on the bench by midfielder Mason Mount, who missed the victory over Fulham after picking up an injury in training. This puts his participation in this weekend's match into serious doubt.
"Probably, Mason [will be available] sooner [than De Ligt]," Carrick said. "He's not too far away really. We're hopeful it won't be too long."
Another player set to miss out is full-back Patrick Dorgu. He picked up a hamstring problem during the match against Arsenal.
Speaking last week, Carrick confirmed that the setback would sideline him for 'a few weeks'. The Danish defender had been performing impressively for United since the interim manager's arrival, making his absence a significant setback.
As for Tottenham, they continue to grapple with an extensive injury list. There remains uncertainty surrounding striker Dominic Solanke's fitness, after he was substituted during the stalemate with City due to an ankle problem.
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After the match, the forward told Sky Sports: "I'll be good. I just rolled my ankle a little bit, but I'll be fine."
Whilst Solanke's participation remains in doubt, nine players are confirmed absentees for the fixture. Spurs will be missing Pedro Porro, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Ben Davies, and Kevin Danso, as the injury crisis deepens.
On a more positive note for Spurs, boss Thomas Frank has confirmed that centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero will be fit for the encounter with United. They could potentially be accompanied by full-back Djed Spence.
"So Micky is good, [he] trained today," the Spurs boss stated. "He is available for selection for Saturday.
"So it's good. Djed Spence is getting closer. It will be a little bit touch and go, but there is a good chance that he will be ready."