Manchester United host Tottenham at Old Trafford this afternoon looking to make it four wins from four.
After thrilling victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, it was a bit more nerve-wracking against Fulham last time out with the hosts needing a last-gasp winner from Benjamin Sesko to secure all three points.
Tottenham’s domestic campaign has been desperately poor but there is no doubt they have had United’s number as of late, beating them four times in all competitions last season, including in the Europa League final.
You have to go back to October 2022 for United’s last victory over Spurs but against one of his former sides, Carrick will be desperate to end that hoodoo and continue United’s march towards European qualification.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.
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Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
At the other end, Gallagher wins a free kick for Spurs – a better first touch might have presented him with a chance to lob Lammens from distance.
Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham
KICK-OFF!
And we are underway!
Kick-off approaching
What Tottenham will we see today? They looked all at sea in the first-half against Manchester City last week but came out in the second-half ready to fight.
They have had United’s number the last few seasons – can the hosts end that hoodoo?
Mbeumo through the middle again
It’s a fourth start in a row for Bryan Mbeumo up front in this tweaked United attack.
Carrick ‘s Tottenham days
Michael Carrick spent just two years at Tottenham but had a huge impact in north London. Playing alongside Edgar Davids in midfield, he was part of the side that pushed all the way for Champions League qualification, only to lose out to Arsenal in the race for fourth place at the end of the 2005-06 season. Remember lasagne-gate?
That summer, United came calling and the rest his history.
Yoro also waiting for first start under Carrick
Leny Yoro is another who can’t quite force his way into this United team at the moment with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire the firm first choice pairing for now.
The Frenchman has struggled at times this season, enduring a particularly torrid spell in November, but he remains a big part of United’s future.
Romero leading a Tottenham revolt?
Cristian Romero hasn’t been shy in airing his concerns about what’s going on at Tottenham, labelling the club’s lack of depth ‘disgraceful’ shortly after the transfer window closed.
It isn’t the first time the captain has blasted the club on social media with the Argentina international dealt with ‘internally’.
‘He is our captain and one of our important players,’ Thomas Frank has said ahead of kick-off.
Mainoo and Casemiro continue partnership in midfield
Kobbie Mainoo didn’t start a single Premier League game under Ruben Amorim and had the Portuguese coach still been in the hotseat, it’s very likely the England international would have left Old Trafford last month.
Instead, he’s starting his fourth game in a row alongside Casemiro. United’s midfield needs urgent surgery in the summer but for now, this partnership is doing the trick.
‘I haven’t had to pass any tips onto him yet. Case [Casemiro] and Kobbie have been fantastic,’ Carrick said ahead of kick-off.
‘’ve given them little bits of advice and trusting them on finding there way and expressing themselves.’
Carrick explains why Sesko isn’t starting
It’s a big call from Carrick today but the United boss has spoken glowingly of the United striker every chance he has got since arriving at Old Trafford. Speaking ahead of kick-off, he has assured fans Sesko will make an appearance at some point today.
‘Benjamin has done fantastic,’ Carrick said.
‘He’s going to be a big player here. I have been really impressed with him. Today was just a decision but he will come on and make a difference.’
Munich victims to be remembered ahead of kick-off
It is 68 years since the plane carrying Sir Matt Busby and his United team back from a European Cup tie in Belgrade crashed on take-off killing 23 with eight players among the dead.
It has been a week of remembrance in Manchester with further tributes taking place today.
Players will also wear black armbands marked by the date and time of the darkest day in the club’s history.
United’s rotten record against Tottenham
October 2022. That was the last time United picked up a win against Tottenham with Fred among the scorers that day. They have gone eight games since without a victory, losing four times to Spurs last season alone including in the Europa League final.
Only a last-gasp equaliser from Matthijs de Ligt spared them another defeat in the reverse fixture in November.
Romero and van de Ven start for Spurs
Micky van de Ven is back in the side after shaking off an injury with Cristian Romero also fit to start after coming off at half-time against Man City last time out.
No changes for United today
Michael Carrick already has a very settled side and he’s stuck with the same XI that beat Fulham last time out today.
It means Matheus Cunha starts off the left again with Bryan Mbeumo deployed through the middle.
Benjamin Sesko’s wait for a first start under Carrick continues.
Tottenham XI to face Man Utd
Vicario, Gray, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie, Sarr, Palhinha, Odobert, Gallagher, Simons, Solanke
Subs: Kinsky, Drăgușin, Souza, Byfield, Bissouma, Olusesi, Williams-Barnet, Tel, Kolo Muani
Man Utd XI to face Tottenham
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
Subs: Baynindir, Heaven, Malacia, Mazraoui, Yoro, T Fleccher, Ugarte, Sesko, Zirkzee
Sesko on the bench
His winner against Fulham isn’t enough to get him in the starting XI – United are unchanged.
How Man Utd could line up this afternoon
Benjamin Sesko will certainly be pushing for a start after his last-gasp winner against Fulham. But it would prompt a bit of a reshuffle in the attack that has served Michael Carrick so well thus far.
Tottenham team news today
Tottenham have bee boosted by the news that both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are fit and available for selection today.
Dominic Solanke scored twice in the comeback draw against Manchester City on Sunday but left the pitch with a slight limp with Cristian Romero forced off at half-time.
The striker has shaken off that knock however and is also available.
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