Team news before Tottenham travel to Manchester United in one of the weekend’s standout fixtures.
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Under-pressure Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is in desperate need of a win as he leads his side into a battle with a rejuvenated Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Frank’s men are winless in the league in 2026 after a run of four draws and two defeats, leaving them languishing in 14th position and 12 points behind this weekend’s opponent. Spurs desperately need to improve if they are to return to Europe next season, and Frank now needs to get a tune out of the tools at his disposal after an underwhelming window which was publicly slated by captain Cristian Romero.
However, last weekend’s 2-2 draw, particularly in the second half suggested there could still be some light at the end of the tunnel as club record signing Dominic Solanke returned to the goals for the first time since his five-month lay off earlier in the season. They’ll hope Solanke stays matchfit after a minor knock at the end of that contest, and could also look to welcome back Micky van de Ven in an attempt to contain a United side that have scored a staggering eight goals in three matches since Michael Carrick’s arrival as interim boss.
We’ve already attempted a predicted Red Devils XI based on the latest team news, now it’s the turn of Tottenham ahead of a highly-anticipated showdown.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI vs Man Utd: goalkeeper and defence
GK - Guglielmo Vicario: The Italian hasn’t quite hit the heights of previous seasons but remains the undisputed first choice between the posts. He’s likely to make his 25th league appearance of the campaign.
RB - Archie Gray: Djed Spence is a doubt heading into the game with a calf issue while Pedro Porro is also absent. This means Gray could be used at right-back where he often played for Leeds United before his move 18 months ago.
CB - Micky Van de Ven: The Netherlands international is expected to return from injury to start in the heart of Tottenham’s defence.
CB - Cristian Romero: Argentine defender Romero keeps his place in the backline as Tottenham aim to record their first league win of 2026.
LB - Destiny Udogie: The 23-year-old is likely to keep his place in defence as Tottenham return to a back four after starting with five at the back against Man City.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI vs Man Utd: midfield and attack
CM - Pape Matar Sarr: The Senegalese international comes in to replace Yves Bissouma in the starting lineup.
CM - Conor Gallagher: The January signing, who was at times linked with a move to Manchester United, is likely to keep his place in central midfield.
CM - João Palhinha: The tough-tackling Portuguese midfielder is likely to start in central midfield after playing as a makeshift centre back last time out.
LW - Xavi Simons: Netherlands international Simons claimed an assist against Manchester City and is currently seen as one of the team’s more creative players despite a subdued start.
RW - Randal Kolo Muani: The 2022 World Cup finalist hasn’t hit the ground running at all since his summer move but remains a player that Frank values. He’ll likely feature ahead of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert.
ST - Dominic Solanke: Tottenham boss Frank is sweating over the fitness of Solanke, but if he’s anywhere near matchfit he’ll likely lead the line after a sensational second half display against Manchester City.