The Peoples Person

Having grabbed a late winner against Leicester City to proceed to the fifth round of the FA Cup, Manchester United will look to improve their fortunes in the Premier League as well when they face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

While the trip to North London can often prove to be a tricky one, it appears as if the hosts are one of the few elite sides that are actually struggling more than Man United this season.

In their last five Premier League outings, Spurs have come away with just a single victory, losing all four other matches. Their losses include a shock 2-1 loss at home to strugglers Leicester City as well as a 3-2 defeat to Everton, yet another team in the bottom half of the league table.

When looking at Spurs’ recent performances in other competitions, it becomes clear that their defensive fortunes have been no better. While they defeated IF Elfsborg 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League, they have struggled when coming up against opposition who are actually of the same calibre or better, suffering a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool to crash out of the Carabao Cup.

Manager Ruben Amorim will be hoping that his side can take advantage of Spurs’ defence at a time when it appears to be particularly vulnerable, especially as a means of exacting revenge for the 3-0 drubbing at Old Trafford that took place earlier this season.

Still, in order to do this, Amorim will need to ensure that his side fix an issue that they appear unable to overcome.

While United have managed to be consistent goal scorers, they often place themselves under unnecessary pressure due to their wasteful finishing.

Take their FA Cup victory over Leicester, for example. With 13 attempts on goal, United got just four on target. In fact, their first accurate shot came in the 65th minute, when Alejandro Garnacho beat the keeper, only for Caleb Okoli to make a goal-saving interception,n which saw the ball reverberate off the crossbar.

It took a 93rd-minute header from Harry Maguire to secure the win for Amorim’s side.

United experienced the same issue during the previous match against Crystal Palace. Despite taking 17 shots, just two were on target, with the first accurate attempt coming in the 51st minute by Bruno Fernandes. Yet again, United were unable to register an accurate shot in the first half, suffering a 2-0 loss at home as a result.

Perhaps United’s most shambolic attacking display came in their 1-0 win over Fulham when a moment of magic by Lisandro Martinez saved the day. Taking just four shots on the day, Martinez’s 78th-minute strike was the only one that remained on target.

In the embarrassing 3-1 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion the previous weekend, United were able to pull a goal back thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty, yet even with 10 shots on goal, that remained their only shot on target throughout the match.

It’s clear that no matter the final outcome, United appear to have developed a troubling trend in recent times that they just can’t seem to shake. Not only is their shooting accuracy way poorer than what it should be, but Amorim’s team takes an exceptionally long time to even register an accurate shot, which often only comes in the second half.

While they may be fortunate enough to get away with their wastefulness and tardiness against weaker opposition, Spurs will no doubt come out swinging, especially as they look to overcome their poor recent run of form.

Should United hope to get anything out of this match, they will need to not only improve their finishing but show their attacking threat earlier in the match. After all, not grabbing an early lead or falling behind from early on will only make it that much more difficult to secure victory.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

Manchester United travel to Tottenham Hotspur today hoping for their first win against the Lilywhites this season.

They have played each other 203 times in history, with the Red Devils winning 96 times.

There have been 51 draws and Spurs have come out on top on 56 occasions.

Here are three plotlines to dig into before the match.

United’s recent struggles against Spurs

For a long time, United dominated Tottenham Hotspur.

In the entirety of the 1990s, for example, they only lost four matches against the North Londoners.

This has not been the case in recent times as the Red Devils have not beaten Tottenham in the last five matches.

In fact, the last victory for United came in October 2022, early on in Erik ten Hag’s managerial spell when they won 2-0 at Old Trafford.

The last victory in London came in October 2021 when they won 3-0 during the dying embers of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s rein.

United’s leaky defence versus Spurs

The Red Devils’ defence has hardly been watertight all season but they have particularly struggled against Tottenham.

According to The BBC, “Manchester United have conceded at least twice in each of their last four Premier League games against Spurs.”

“The last side they conceded multiple goals against in 5+ consecutive league games was Arsenal (5 between 1975 and 1978).”

Spurs have massively struggled this season, lying 15th in the table but they have scored 48 goals in the league with only Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal scoring more.

United also shipped four as they were knocked out by Ange Postecoglou’s side 4-3 in the Carabao Cup in December. The Red Devils are also looking for their first win against the Australian coach.

United are surprisingly on a good run of form

Despite all the negativity around the club at the moment in regard to financial problems, unpopular ownership decisions, piling up injuries and league position, United are actually on a decent run of form under Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils have won four out of their past five games in all competitions.

They are also unbeaten in four away matches in league and cup, winning two and drawing two since a 2-0 defeat at Wolves on Boxing Day.

It must also be said that United have done reasonably well in away day games against the traditionally bigger clubs since Amorim took over in November and fans will hope this trend continues as the club certainly needs some good news at the moment.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

Disaster has struck Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and his already threadbare squad this week as four new injuries have been picked up.

With Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia and Antony having left on loan and Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount still injured, the last thing United could have afforded was another injury, let alone four.

News broke yesterday that Amad has suffered an ankle ligament injury that may end his season and that Kobbie Mainoo also picked up an injury in training that will keep him out of action for three weeks or more.

Amorim also confirmed that Manu Ugarte and Toby Collyer are also struggling to be fit for this afternoon’s game.

If they don’t make it, there will only be 13 outfield players available to Amorim who have ever played for the first XI before.

Despite two of those being midfielders in Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, we suspect that they will both start on the bench.

With Casemiro almost certainly short of match fitness and Eriksen lacking the pace to cover for him, Bruno Fernandes could play in midfield once again, possibly partnering Noussair Mazraoui, who played the role 44 times for Ajax earlier in his career.

The back three would then probably be Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro, although a ring-rusty Victor Lindelof should be available and new signing Ayden Heaven could also be in the mix.

The wing backs will be Diogo Dalot and another new signing, Patrick Dorgu, who impressed on his debut last Friday. Who will play on which flank is hard to predict; Dorgu is a leftie and Dalot better on the right, but they were reversed last week.

Up front, unless Fernandes does play higher up the pitch, there is only Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Josh Zirkzee available.

Andre Onana will be in goal.

Several academy stars have travelled with the squad, including Chido Obi, Sékou Koné, Harry Amass, Jack Moorhouse and Elyh Harrison. So there is an excellent chance of at least one debut today, with Heaven also yet to take to the field in a red shirt.

The bench could therefore be: Bayindir, Lindelof, Heaven, Amass, Casemiro, Eriksen, Moorhouse, Koné and Obi. Fans who follow the academy will be itching to see the latter grab a debut at the tender age of 17.

Here, then, is our predicted line up for the 4.30pm GMT kick off:

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

The problems seem to be never-ending for Manchester United at the moment with the club forced into a last-minute change in travel plans for their trip to North London to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

As The Manchester Evening News revealed, the Red Devils were scheduled to leave for London by train on Saturday but were forced to take the coach.

“Manchester United are having to travel to London by coach for their Premier League fixture against Tottenham after their train was cancelled on Saturday afternoon.

“A signal failure on the West Coast mainline saw the cancellations of a number of services on Saturday afternoon and United will instead have to make a four-hour journey by road.”

Change in travel plans

The players were forced to board an inferior coach to travel on Saturday due to the superior coaches already being in place in London to ferry the team from the hotel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and back.

This is not the first time their commute to and from the capital has had to be tweaked at the last moment.

The team was scheduled to take the flight back to Manchester after their game against Fulham a few weeks ago. Instead they were forced to take the coach after their flight got cancelled at the last moment.

Thankfully on Saturday, the club already had contingency plans in place knowing the unreliable rail services between Manchester and London Euston.

Things are not going according to plan for the club on the injury front as well after news broke that their standout star of the campaign Amad Diallo had picked up a season-ending ankle injury.

“Extremely disappointed to be writing this message in such a crucial time of the season. Unfortunately, I will be out for some time with an injury.

Injury issues

“I will come back stronger than ever!! Time to support the boys from the outside. Still loads to play for,” the player wrote on social media to confirm the development.

Not only the Ivorian but Ruben Amorim will also be without three midfielders for the game against Spurs with Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer all ruled out.

The England international will be missing a few weeks of action and as a result, the head coach has had to look to the academy in a bid to fill the gaps.

Five of Carrington’s finest — Chido Obi, Sekou Kone, Jack Moorhouse, Harry Amass and Elyh Harrison are set to travel for Sunday’s game.

Confirmed United squad members (as per MEN): Dalot, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Lindelof, Heaven, Fernandes, Casemiro, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Hojlund.

Feature image Naomi Baker via Getty Images

Manchester United have called up as many as five academy graduates for their trip to North London to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday amid an unprecedented number of injuries in midweek.

Ruben Amorim had hinted during the pre-match press conference that several influential stars could miss Sunday’s Premier League game but Amad’s season-ending injury has come as a huge shock.

To add to that, Kobbie Mainoo is also set to be sidelined for a few weeks while both Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer have been ruled out of the Spurs contest.

As revealed by Scoop, a reliable source of information on the United academy, the head coach has been forced to look at Carrington’s finest in order to plug the holes in the squad as a result of these unforeseen injuries.

Injuries galore

“EXCLUSIVE: Chido Obi, Sékou Koné, Harry Amass, Jack Moorhouse and Elyh Harrison have all travelled with Manchester United’s first-team squad to face Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

“Ruben Amorim has turned to Carrington to plug the gaps left by several unforeseen injury absentees,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

As previously revealed, Jack Moorhouse will be making the trip to London and fellow academy midfield ace Sekou Kone will accompany him.

The Malian had joined the club in the summer and was registered as part of United’s Premier League squad upon his arrival.

However, an injury meant he took time to acclimatize to his new surroundings but he could now be thrown into the deep end on Sunday given the number of absentees in the middle of the park.

Chido Obi, who has been on fire for the academy, has also been called up and given the first team’s lack of goals, Amorim might opt to hand him minutes should the Red Devils struggle against Ange Postecoglou’s men.

Youngsters to step up

Left-back Harry Amass is also expected to be called up. This was expected to be his breakthrough year but former manager Erik ten Hag had refrained from using him citing physicality issues.

He seems to have impressed the Portuguese tactician and could finally receive his United debut. He had impressed in pre-season and the club opted not to send him out on loan in January.

Promising goalkeeper Elyh Harrison is also expected to travel. The club decided to keep a hold of him instead of sending him out on loan for the second half of the season and he was present on the bench for the club’s previous league game against Crystal Palace.

Moorhouse, Kone and Chido Obi have the best chance of making it off the bench. It will be interesting to see Amorim’s team selection for the game against Spurs.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is facing a major selection headache ahead of his side’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

During his presser on Friday, Amorim told reporters that a player was set to miss the game with an illness while a few others were also dealing with separate fitness issues.

Now, The Athletic have revealed that the problems are centred on the middle of the park.

According to the newspaper, Kobbie Mainoo picked up an injury which is set to keep him out of the match vs. Tottenham. Toby Collyer and Manuel Ugarte are also in a race against time to be fully fit and available.

Laurie Whitwell notes, “Ruben Amorim is facing a midfield dilemma with Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer all suffering injuries in training this week.”

“Mainoo’s injury is expected to keep him out for more than a couple of weeks, with Ugarte and Collyer also major doubts for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.”

“Jack Moorhouse, 19, has been drafted in for first-team training and is set to travel to London. It would be the central midfielder’s first time in a senior squad should Amorim select him. Moorhouse, a strong ball carrier, has scored three goals in seven Premier League 2 games this season for United’s Under-21s.”

It’s understood that the loss of Mainoo, Collyer and Ugarte would bring Christian Eriksen and Casemiro back into contention.

The two experienced stars have not featured regularly under Amorim amidst the Portuguese coach’s preference for younger and more mobile alternatives in the engine room.

Moorhouse may not be the only United youngster to be named in the matchday squad to face Ange Postecoglou’s men.

Prolific academy striker Chido Obi and his teammate James Scanlon are not involved for the under-18s today for their contest with Newcastle, suggesting they could be part of the senior team on Sunday.

Rich Fay of Manchester World pointed out that Chido Obi took part in training this week.

Tottenham vs. United kicks off at 16:30 GMT.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that he expects his players to perform a lot better during Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur following a fixture-free week.

United were last in action on 7 February, when they came from behind to beat Leicester City 2-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Since taking over as Erik ten Hag’s successor in November 2024, Amorim has consistently voiced his frustration over limited training time with his squad, but he finally got the opportunity he desired.

During his presser ahead of the clash with Spurs, Amorim suggested there have been a few fitness issues. The Portuguese coach noted that one player is a doubt this weekend due to illness while a few others are still continuing with their recoveries.

However, the 40-year-old still expects the team to be more fluid.

Amorim told club media, “We had some issues at the end of the week with players. And that was the hardest part of the week.”

“It was a good week to improve on physical aspects but also tactical aspects.”

He explained that Patrick Dorgu should be more up-to-speed with his style of play after a positive debut in the FA Cup contest with Leicester.

“We work with him and he is understanding better the way we want to play. He has some habits from the last club [Lecce]. In the first moments, he has had to change things, but it has been a good week.”

Amorim also said about Alejandro Garnacho, “Yes, he is enjoying the way we play. He is confident and he is good in the moments one v one. These kind of details, in a player like him, is important.”

The United boss commented on the Under-18s 5-1 triumph over Chelsea earlier this week.

“Of course, they have [done well] and we need them a lot for the future of this club and I am really happy for them. But they need to keep working because the Premier League is a different world, and they have to improve every day. So I am really happy and they need to continue.”

Tottenham vs. United kicks off at 16:30 GMT.

Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images

Ruben Amorim says none of his injured stars are ready to return for Manchester United’s Premier League match against Tottenham on Sunday.

Amorim was answering questions at the pre-match press conference and was asked whether Mason Mount, Luke Shaw or Victor Lindelof are ready.

“No,” he said. “It was a good week until two days ago, we had some problems, we don’t have players back, maybe we have one or two issues, we are waiting. We have one player who is sick, we will see on the weekend.”

Asked about the news of further job losses at United, he replied:

“Our biggest problem now is Tottenham, we know the moment of the club, I have to understand these problems, but these problems in our club are not new. We have a problem at the moment, but that cannot influence how I coach the team and prepare for the next game.”

“Here it’s simple: to do something we need to sell players.

The boss was asked whether he felt Ineos’ plan to win the Premier League by 2028 is realistic.

“Yes, we talk about that, our focus is to win the Premier League and we can change everything in a few years. In this moment, we are in a difficult position, but we need to work every day and focus on the little steps.”

Turning to Sunday’s opponents and the difficult position Ange Postecoglu is in, Amorim said:

“I am a huge fan of Ange Postecoglou. He is a good guy, a very good coach. I understand the connection with me and Ange. We have the same problem. In my opinion, and with respect, I am at a bigger club, with bigger pressure, and I think coaches must follow their principles.

“He wants to play football in the right way and that’s a good thing. We know when we choose this profession. there are a lot of good things, but you have to feel the pressure when you don’t win.”

The head coach was then asked if he had seen Chido Obi’s hat-trick in midweek and whether he was under consideration for a call up to the senior side.

“I don’t want to say names. We have to be careful on that,” he replied.

“They are working with us – we had some problems this week – and we had some young players in training. He [Obi] is one of them.”

Finally, a reporter asked why Amorim thought players who had left the club seemed to perform better and whether it was a case of playing with more freedom.

“I don’t know, sometimes it’s like that, it can happen with any club,” he replied.

“This club has a lot of pressure and you have to have a base of a team to put younger and talented players that came from abroad to help them. if you are playing better as a team, and you have a strong core, like it’s supposed to be at this club, it will be more easy for these kind of players to play football.”

Sunday’s game in London kicks off at 4.30pm.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

Manchester United u21s hosted Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League 2 action on Friday night at Leigh Sports Village.

United started brightly with Malachi Sharpe clipping the top of the bar after just a minute of play.

In contrast to the first team’s FA Cup match that was being played at the same time nearby at Old Trafford, the chances were flowing in the u21s.

Tottenham forced a big save from Elyh Harrison from a corner when Max Robson’s flicked on header looked to be creeping in under the bar but for the fully stretched Harrison, who pushed away to safety.

The two sides exchanged half chances but it was a mistake from Spurs’ keeper Aaron Maguire which led to the match’s opening goal.

Hesitation from Maguire allowed Sharpe to press and force a rushed clearance that ricocheted off of Chido Obi back to Sharpe to run through and finish into an open net.

Sharpe then had a chance to add a second after a nice move from Sekou Kone to open space in the box but Sharpe dragged his shot wide of the target, leaving the score 1-0 at the break.

Into the second half, Kone continued to shine with a defence splitting through ball to set Jack Moorhouse through on goal. But the midfielder was denied by a good save.

Obi had his first chance of the match when Harry Amass delivered a fabulous cross to the back post, but Obi’s header went straight into the arms of the keeper.

Up the other end, Spurs’ number nine Oliver Irow had a headed chance of his own but Harrison was up to the task again with quick reflexes to get down and save.

Moorhouse’s driving runs caused Spurs trouble throughout the match and on one occasion the Irish international found the overlapping run of Amass who crossed onto the head of Tommy Rowe to direct off the crossbar.

Amass and Moorhouse linked up again in the 73rd minute to double United’s lead with a spectacular goal.

Amass was pinned in the corner under pressure but managed to distribute an exception ball down the left channel into space for Moorhouse to collect. He charged 50 yards down the pitch and into the box to finish low into the bottom right corner.

Another mistake from the Spurs keeper almost gifted United a third when he passed the ball straight to Obi but the striker’s attempt was cleared off the line.

Two goals were enough though to secure the three points for Travis Binnion’s side, who have been in fine form of late and see themselves now third in the league table, just four points off the top.

United host more London opposition next with Fulham coming to town on Monday 17th February.

United: Harrison, Kamason (Munro 62), Fredricson, Murray, Amass, McAllister, Kone, Rowe (Scanlon 71), Sharpe, Obi, Moorhouse (J. Fletcher 79)

Unused subs: Myles, Musa

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has not been pleased with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, which is why the duo’s minutes have drastically reduced since he took over.

The Dane started nine times under former manager Erik ten Hag but has managed only five since the Portuguese walked through the doors with his last league start coming more than a month ago.

As for the Brazilian, he made a cameo off the bench against FCSB, his first appearance in over a month with Amorim making it clear that he felt the five-time Champions League winner no longer possesses the intensity required to play regularly.

Both the Denmark international and former Real Madrid superstar were linked with exits in the winter but nothing materialised in the end but they are unlikely to be at the club beyond the current campaign.

United eyeing Hackney

The Red Devils are scouring the Championship for possible midfield replacements with Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham named as potential options with the club’s scouts in attendance for Sunderland’s game against Middlesbrough.

Even though the duo were looked at, it was Boro’s Hayden Hackney who got himself on the scoresheet from midfield while also registering an assist and he has been a long-term target for the 20-time English league champions.

As per Givemesport, United failed to tempt Middlesbrough into selling their talisman in January but a summer approach is expected with the Old Trafford side hoping Michael Carrick will be open to allowing the 22-year-old to join his former club.

Another of Carrick’s former clubs Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race and a tug-of-war is expected to ensue for the England U21 international once the current campaign ends, especially if Boro fail to get promoted.

Hackney has five goals and two assists from 28 games in all competitions and he primarily excels as a defensive midfielder but can also play further forward if required.

Spurs vs United for Boro star

“Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are threatening to go head-to-head for the signing of Hayden Hackney in the summer as the Middlesbrough star has remained on the radar of recruitment chiefs at Old Trafford and Hotspur Way, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

“Manchester United and Tottenham could make a summer move for Hackney after being unable to tempt Middlesbrough into sanctioning his departure during the winter transfer window, according to GMS sources, and they stand a chance of winning the race for his signature by lodging a bid in the region of £20 million.”

“GMS sources have been told that Middlesbrough are expecting the clamour for Hackney’s services to grow between now and the summer, meaning Manchester United and Tottenham are in danger of facing extensive competition for an agreement if they choose to formalise their interest with a bid later this year.”

It would reportedly take only £20 million to secure his services, a cakewalk for either English giant if they seriously decide to pursue Hackney. But a lot more sides could enter the fray and potentially end up in a bidding war which could suit Boro.

It is good to see United finally look at the Championship to secure top, young talent with many other sides far ahead in the game.

The English second division is a breeding ground for young talent and INEOS are slowly, but surely getting the recruitment game spot on.