The extended international break allowed Michael Carrick to breathe, reset and prepare for the hectic run of fixtures that lie ahead for his Manchester United team.
The heavily scrutinized Red Devils boss can feel his seat starting to warm at Old Trafford, even if he rightfully laughed off sack talk before the break.
Carrick inspired Man Utd to a third-place finish and a return to the Champions League last season, and his first full campaign at the helm was always going to bring about stiffer challenges. He hasnât coped particularly well thus far, but the first block of five league outings was merely the opening act in a long 2026â27 season.
Still, heâll be feeling the pressure when a worse-off Tottenham Hotspur visit the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday. For many, this is a contest Carrick simply cannot lose.
Hereâs how Man Utd could line up against bottom-of-the-table Spurs this weekend.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham
GK: Senne LammensâIt was a busy break for Lammens in Thibaut Courtoisâs absence, and the Belgian goalkeeper returns to Manchester keen to quieten the likes of Paul Scholes.
RB: Diogo DalotâDalot looks set to be Man Utdâs steady and unspectacular right back option for another season. The versatile Noussair Mazraoui is operating in reserve.
CB: Harry MaguireâWhile Leny Yoro impressed on the international stage for France, heâs unlikely to work his way into Carrickâs plans for Spursâ visit.
CB: Lisandro MartÃnezâMartÃnez saw compatriot Cristian Romero pick up his fourth Premier League red card in this fixture last season, and he heads into this contest having said a tearful goodbye to Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires.
LB: Luke ShawâAfter an injury-free 2025â26, Shaw dealt with a fitness setback during the first month of the new season, and it cost Man Utd. Possession dynamics just arenât as smooth when heâs out of the team, with Carrick forced to fit a square peg in a round hole. The position will be addressed in January.
CM: Carlos BalebaâThe signs are pointing toward the third of Man Utdâs midfield arrivals making his debut this weekend. Baleba has impressed in training and was involved in a friendly against Lausanne-Sport over the break. Heâll be up against a Spurs midfield tandem that set the Lilywhites back almost $250 million.
Pick Your Man Utd XI!
CM: Kobbie MainooâWhile Mainoo withdrew from international duty, the dynamic young midfielder is expected to be fit for Spursâ visit. Thereâs potential for him to develop a stellar relationship with the physically impressive Baleba in midfield.
RW: Bryan MbeumoâWith Amad Diallo out of action, weâll likely see Mbeumo start down the right again. The role doesnât get the best out of him, but he loves playing against Spurs. In 10 meetings, Mbeumoâs scored six times.
AM: Bruno FernandesâThe reigning PFA Player of the Year is waiting for his season to ignite, and you get the feeling that a vulnerable Spurs outfit could allow Fernandes to flourish at Old Trafford.
LW: Marcus RashfordâRashford is an injury concern after pulling out of the England camp. Like Mainoo, though, thereâs an expectation that he wonât miss any time for the Red Devils. The winger is still waiting for his first goal since Carrick brought him back into the fold.