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Tottenham are back in action this weekend after a long three weeks on the sidelines due to the extended international break. Spurs remain winless in the Premier League, and there is already pressure aplenty on Roberto De Zerbi and his men to turn things around, especially having fallen to bottom of the league.

Man Utd haven't been much better, currently 12th in the league, and Michael Carrick is also coming under pressure. Here we round up all the early injury news surrounding Spurs and United ahead of this one.

Matthijs de Lifgt - Doubt

De Ligt will remain a doubt but he is hoping to return from a back issue.

Karl Darlow - Doubt

Darlow has been dealing with a minor issue and will be a doubt here.

Amad Diallo - Doubt

The same applies to Diallo. Carrick said before the break: "We have to manage Deki in the best way possible with the medical staff... he deserves to play again. We have to work day-by-day. For Deki, it is important the national break because when he is at top, best condition, he will be like another new signing."

Kobbie Mainoo - Doubt

Mainoo is in a similar situation.

Manuel Ugarte - Out

Ugarte is a long-term absentee with a knee injury suffered at the World Cup.

Benjamin Sesko - Doubt

Seski picked up an issue before the break and it will be hoped he can return after the three-week break.

Tom Heaton - Doubt

Heaton is still trying to return from a hamstring issue.

Patrick Dorgu - Doubt

Dorgu was sent home from national team duty with an injury, so he has to go down as a doubt.

Noussair Mazraoui - Doubt

Mazraoui has been dealing with a back injury and will be hoping to at least be close.

Xavi Simons - Out

Simons won't be back from his ACL tear until February time, perhaps even March.

Wilson Odobert - Out

Also recovering from an ACL tear, Odobert is hoping to get back by December, or thereabouts.

Mykhailo Mudryk - Out

Mudryk will be out until towards the end of this month with the ankle ligament injury he suffered shortly after his arrival.

Pedro Porro - Out

Porro is expected to be out for another week or so. De Zerbi said before the break: "Listen, Pedro, I said after the World Cup, I said the management of Pedro should be different, because after the World Cup, many games. I don't know what the problem is. It's a hamstring, I think. Hopefully, it's not a big problem."

Micky van de Ven - Fit

Van de Ven picked up a finger injury before the break but will be fine here.

Dejan Kulusebvski - Out

We don't know when Kulusevski will be fit to return. He has been dealing with issues for the best part of two years, and De Zerbi has said: "We have to manage Deki in the best way possible with the medical staff... he deserves to play again. We have to work day-by-day. For Deki, it is important the national break because when he is at top, best condition, he will be like another new signing."

Jan Paul van Hecke - Doubt

Van Hecke will need to be assessed as he looks to return from a foot issue picked up with the Netherlands.

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'Top-level'—Brazilian legend full of praise for Tottenham youngster

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi came into the job with a bit of a reputation for being a hot head who can start fights and rub people the wrong way, so when he and Richarlison started trading barbs before the summer transfer window came to a close, a lot of people started to get skeptical of De Zerbi. And it hasn't exactly helped that Spurs have been winless and struggling to score goals, meanwhile their leading scorer from last season is not even registered in the squad because of that dispute.

The thing is, Richarlison was only the team's leading scorer by default. It's not like he was a top player at the striker position himself. But more importantly, it looks like the story De Zerbi spun about actually wanting to keep Richy, only for the striker to request a transfer, turned out to be true. And then worse yet, it was Richarilson who stabbed Spurs by not even leaving at all, as he did not want to take a wage cut from Everton.

Richarlison really did ask to leave Tottenham

Fabrizio Romano divulged the story behind the war of words between Roberto De Zerbi and Richarlison a couple of months ago, via Chris Cowlin:

"It’s been a crazy situation, even Roberto De Zerbi explained it. It’s the reality that De Zerbi wasn’t lying and isn’t lying when he said that at the beginning of the new season I went to Richarlison I told him ‘let’s discuss a new contract, I want you here.' Richarlison wanted to go and then in the final days of the window, Tottenham were not happy where Richarlison was not taking the opportunity to go back to Everton. Tottenham in that case were going to sign Iliman Ndiaye, so the two deals were linked, Ndiaye to Tottenham and at that point Richarlison to Everton."

Romano had even more information on the subsequent deals that collapsed, but he closed his latest chapter on the Richarlison transfer saga by stating that the Brazilian international is 100 percent done at Spurs. He fully expects the striker to leave the Lilywhites in the winter transfer window, and the relationship between the player and the entire club is so broken that he won't be a part of the team anymore for the rest of the season.

A lot of people were on Richy's side because of the fight he showed for the club last season, but something never quite added up about the story. De Zerbi always seemed to like Richarlison, and it was only until Richy played these games with the media that RDZ came out and said the truth, barred him, and since then, honestly, the Italian manager has been proven in the right.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly had an approach for Benjamin Sesko swiftly rebuffed by Manchester United in the summer.

According to reports relayed by CaughtOffside, the Red Devils made it clear their centre-forward was off-limits after only one season at the club.

Why Barcelona have set their sights on Sesko

Now, Barcelona have established their interest in prising the Slovenian from United’s grasp.

They bid farewell to Robert Lewandowski at the end of 2025/2026 before facilitating the departure of Ferran Torres in the transfer window. After failing in their attempts to sign Julian Alvarez from rivals Atletico Madrid, they settled on the addition of Gabriel Jesus, 29, from Arsenal.

Alas, Hansi Flick wants more depth in the No.9 role, and Sesko has caught the eye of some of the key decision-makers at the Camp Nou.

United are said to value the 23-year-old in the region of £64 million, having shelled out an initial £66.3m to sign him from RB Leipzig in August 2025.

However, that does not mean that they consider him available, as he is viewed as an integral part of Michael Carrick’s long-term plans in M16.

How Sesko is faring as of late

It remains to be seen if Sesko will be fit to face one of his suitors, Tottenham, when they travel to Old Trafford this weekend.

He was ruled out of the clash with Fulham just before the international break, and consequently missed out on representing his nation over the last two-and-a-half weeks.

The attacker stayed at Carrington so that his condition could be assessed, with his problem believed to be a reaggravation of the shin injury that ended his maiden term prematurely.

Prior to his setback, Sesko had returned two goals in six appearances and 206 minutes of action.

There is no concern that Tottenham Hotspur will come back and re-sign a former striker who’s found his feet since leaving – with ENIC having now been told it will cost a staggering € 100 million fee to bring the player back to N17.

Spurs don’t have a lot in the way of quality in front of goal at the minute. Richarlison is essentially blacklisted, Dominic Solanke has struggled with injuries, and new boy Omar Marmoush is yet to get off the mark.

As a result, Tottenham are rock bottom of the Premier League and neither of the two goals they’ve scored in their first five games have come from attackers.

As a result, and with the club looking around for ways to pep up their attack in the January window, there is a sense that former Spurs man Troy Parrott – who played only four senior games and left in 2024 – could be an option.

A Tottenham account has asked if fans would take the player back, after two goals and an assist this season for new club Real Betis, and a stunning solo goal for Ireland against Austria – one of four he scored over the international break.

But a report from Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo states there are absolutely no worries at Betis.

Indeed, it’s said there is ‘no concern’ and if Parrott was to leave, any interested club would have to pay a €100million (£85m, $113m) release clause.

Tottenham fans divided on Troy Parrott

Parrott was not a big player during his time at Tottenham, largely spending time out on loan after impressing for the under-18s.

But with AZ Alkmaar, the Irish striker bagged 51 goals and 17 assists, has bagged his first Champions League goal with Betis, and has 15 goals to his name with the Ireland national team.

Amid a meagre time in front of goal for Spurs, fan account @TheSpursWeb has asked if supporters would want Parrott back, attaching a clip of his mazy run and goal for Ireland against Austria.

The responses vary, with some eager to see him in a Tottenham shirt, while others feel he’d not do well, and some believe he’s already too good to go back.

‘In a heartbeat,’ one fan said.

‘He’s well past your level now lads I’m afraid,’ said another.

‘Better than what we have, still not good enough,’ one added.

‘The bigger question is if Troy would ever consider returning to Tottenham,’ said another.

After a three week international break of bliss for Tottenham Hotspur supporters, they are now faced with the reality of their team returning to action. On Saturday evening, Spurs travel to Old Trafford, currently bottom of the table, still yet to win a match in the Premier League this season.

A victory would see Roberto De Zerbi's side join Manchester United on five points, underlining that Michael Carrick's team aren't doing much better, meaning Spurs fans can perhaps feel hopeful, if not ultra-optimistic. However, should Tottenham's recent record agains the Red Devils provide genuine encouragement?

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur all-time head-to-head record

Matches Played: 207.

Manchester United Wins: 97. Draws: 52. Tottenham Hotspur Wins: 58.

Manchester United Goals: 320. Tottenham Hotspur Goals: 260.

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Last five results

Of course, there is one rather famous meeting between these two teams that took place 501 days ago; it feels a lot longer than that, doesn't it? On a warm Bilbao night in May 2025, a combination of Brennan Johnson and Luke Shaw produced the only goal of the night as Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 at San Mamés in the UEFA Europa League Final. Ange Postecoglou always wins a trophy in his second season, even at Spurs.

More broadly, Postecoglou very much had the better of Rúben Amorim, with Tottenham beating Man United all four times they met that season, including a thrilling 4-3 EFL Cup victory just before Christmas. Son Heung-min catching out Altay Bayındır to score directly from a corner the highlight of a crazy night.

Overall, Tottenham put together an eight match unbeaten streak against the Red Devils, winning five of them, their longest such sequence in the 127 year history of this fixture. However, that began to turn last season.

When the pair met in North London in November, despite a late turnaround, Mathys Tel and then Richarlison the scorers, the latter celebrating wildly in injury time, Matthijs de Ligt's 96th minute header pinched a point for Man United.

The duo most-recently clashed in February when, despite starting brightly, a trademark brainless red card from Cristian Romero curtailed Spurs' chances of a result at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo and then Bruno Fernandes were the scorers as the home side cruised to a 2-0 victory; Thomas Frank was sacked four days later. Well, at least De Zerbi cannot be undone by Romero's stupidity anymore, as the Italian boss desperately goes in search for three points.

Tottenham have won only five of 41 visits to Old Trafford since 1989, albeit all of these wins have come since 2012, so will the 3,173 travelling Spurs fans have a rare win to celebrate?

West Ham United fans, on the whole, like players who give 100% even if they are not the most talented individuals. However, they also like players with flair and have had plenty of them over the years. Many have scored some memorable goals for the Hammers. There have been, of course, important finishes in cup finals. However, in this list, we have compiled them on technical skill alone, rather than the significance of the occasion.

Best-ever West Ham goals

Lanzini secured a comeback point against Tottenham with a fantastic strike from range. The Hammers had been trailing by three goals, but Lanzini's strike secured the 3-3 draw at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Unfortunately, as this match was during the COVID-19 pandemic, no fans were in the stands to see it. However, many enjoyed seeing it on screens from the comfort of their own homes.

Payet was spectacular for West Ham in the final season at Upton Park. His best goal was a free-kick against Crystal Palace, which went in at the opposite top corner from where everyone expected him to aim. The Frenchman scored many memorable goals for West Ham, but unfortunately went off the rails after the move to the London Stadium.

After Slaven Bilic revealed that Payet was refusing to play, Carroll stepped up to the plate. The big Geordie met Michail Antonio's cross with an overhead kick that flew past Wayne Hennessey. Given Carroll is 6 ft 4, it was remarkable he could get that high and produce such a superb bit of skill. Carroll was troubled with injuries during his time at West Ham, but this did not stop him from throwing himself about for the team.

Sam Allardyce was known for playing direct football. However, in this match with Tottenham, he played Morrison in a false nine role. West Ham won 3-0, with Morrison capping off the victory with a sublime solo run before chipping the ball over Hugo Lloris. Morrison's skills lit up the West Ham faithful for just a short period. However, fans will not forget his skills and technical ability.

Trevor Sinclair crossed the ball to Di Canio at the far post, who scissor-kicked it into the Wimbledon net. The acrobatic strike was characteristic of the enigmatic Italian. It was voted the Premier League goal of the season and named the best at Upton Park. When playing football, it is difficult not to shout 'Di Canio!' when attempting this kind of finish. However, the regular person will struggle to pull it off.

Burnley are being urged to consider former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane if they sack Nicky Hayen, after Robbie Keane reportedly pulled out of Preston North End talks.

Wilson Odobert is in the latter stages of ACL recovery and could return to training within 1-2 months. November remains the usual target for his comeback.

Tottenham face strong competition for Eintracht Frankfurt talent Niko Iličević, 15, but he cannot move to England until he turns 18 under current rules.

Before facing Tottenham, Manchester United must assess nine players, with Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo likely fit, while Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui remain doubts.

Former Tottenham striker Teddy Sheringham criticised Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres, saying he 'plays like a child' despite scoring four times for Sweden.

Tottenham prospect Luca Williams Barnett is attracting Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United after standout youth numbers for Spurs.

England risk losing three Spurs players - Archie Gray, Mikey Moore and Tosin Adarabioyo - to other nations in future eligibility decisions.

This analysis argues Dominic Solanke does not suit Tottenham’s new De Zerbi-built attack, with Spurs’ summer signings pointing to a need for a different centre-forward.

Richarlison is expected to leave in January after summer exit talks failed and his relationship with Tottenham became 'completely broken', according to Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham loanee Souza is closing in on competitive minutes at Porto after impressing coaches with 'great commitment', maturity and an assist against Deportivo La Coruña.

Manchester United have reportedly made Micky van de Ven a top target, but a January move looks unlikely after the Tottenham defender signed a new deal until 2031.

Antonio Conte said Daniel Levy’s calm 'Don’t worry, we’ll win the next one' message stunned him, as he criticised Tottenham’s culture and acceptance of losing.

Former Tottenham striker Kion Etete, once signed from Notts County, is now at Newport County on loan from Cardiff City after failing to make an impact at Spurs.

A Tottenham return for Troy Parrott looks remote, with Real Betis protected by a €100m release clause despite the former Spurs striker's strong early-season form.

Tottenham loanee Yang Min-hyeok apologised after backlash over military exemption comments following South Korea’s Asian Games gold, where he assisted Eom Jisung’s winner against Japan.

Spurs could have Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke back for Manchester United after both withdrew from the Netherlands camp with minor injuries.

Tottenham Hotspur are having such a hard time rebuilding because they are actually trying to build a team around an idea and a philosophy under Roberto De Zerbi, instead of doing what they were doing under Daniel Levy, which was sign players at the whim of Levy because Levy thought they were good value from a venture capitalist perspective - or would enable him to avoid spending a premium price on the actual best option for Spurs on the pitch.

Dominic Solanke was an example of Tottenham spending as little as possible on a new starting striker, because even though he was a record 65 million pound signing in 2024, he was the least expensive 19 goal, Premier League proven striker that Levy could ink after losing Harry Kane to Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich.

Although Solanke had some nice games against mid opponents in Tottenham's Europa League title run in 2024/25, he has been nowhere near worth what Spurs paid him. Not only has he failed to score 10 goals in any season, but his all-around play has been worse than advertised. Injuries and terrible finishing have made Solanke one of the streakiest and worst overall players on Spurs since the start of the 2025/26 season - and we are talking about a Spurs team that nearly got relegated last year and is 20th and winless through five games in 2026/27.

Dominic Solanke can't be the focal point

Tottenham Hotspur have signed a lot better players in the summer 2026 transfer market at the behest of Roberto De Zerbi, who parlayed Spurs desperation and his own excitement into mega power behind the scenes at N17 - an opportunity that has been strengthened by 1) not having Daniel Levy around anymore and 2) the fact that he earned a lot of good will by keeping Spurs afloat last season.

As part of those summer upgrades, Tottenham signed Savio and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City to boost their attack. Savio and Marmoush are two of the most exciting and skilled attackers in the Premier League, and while Marmoush once scored more than a goal per game in a half-season with Eintracht Frankfurt before his transfer to the Etihad, neither player is known for their scoring. And certainly at the center forward position, Marmoush isn't an upper-echelon poacher, which is a fact that has already settled in for Spurs supporters after his first few appearances with the club.

In a lineup including Dominic Solanke, whom De Zerbi still seems to be a fan of, Marmoush and Savio would start on the left and right, respectively, as inverted wingers. But even in inverted roles, Marmoush and Savio are as much creative and playmaking wingers as they are scoring ones, which means they need a striker who can stay in the box and score the goals.

Solanke does neither. He is rarely present in the box to be there for shooting opportunities, and he can't seem to work with the wingers in a possession-based system under Roberto De Zerbi. And looking beyond who Tottenham signed in the attack, the big new signings in the midfield, such as Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes (and center backs Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, to boot), only mean that Spurs will enjoy more possession and play more in the final third. And that's actually bad for Solanke, whose best work at Bournemouth, for example, came when he was in a more transitional team. And he was also similarly better under Ange Postecoglou with this kind of football.

Tottenham bought players that don't fit Solanke, which actually means that Solanke does not fit what Spurs are trying to do. And though De Zerbi praises him publicly, even the idea of Solanke being an all-around striker to help inverted wingers in a system feels like an illusion, given he has no dribbles completed this season and averages just 0.2 key passes per game; those are among the worst numbers in the Premier League.

Solanke has not been starting as much lately, and Tottenham and De Zerbi may be fading him again. His poor play and his lack of a fit in the team with the new faces is only going to push Spurs into making a new striker signing when the winter window opens up in 2027.

Controversy follows Asian Games glory

Success on the international stage is usually a cause for universal celebration, but for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Yang, a recent gold medal victory has been overshadowed by off-field friction. The 20-year-old, who joined Belgian Pro League side Westerlo on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window, played a pivotal role in South Korea's triumph over hosts Japan in Saturday's final - setting up Swansea City's Eom Jisung for the game-winning goal.

In South Korea, able-bodied men are required to complete between 18 and 21 months of military service before the age of 28. Elite athletes who win gold at the Asian Games or any medal at the Olympics are granted an exemption, allowing them to pursue their professional careers uninterrupted after completing just a few weeks of basic training. This pathway was famously utilised by former Spurs captain Son Heung-min in 2018.

Yang clarifies his motivational comments

The firestorm began when Yang was asked about the significance of the victory and the physical rewards involved. The winger was quoted as saying: 'We were being compensated, and the compensation was military exemption, so it feels like we played with that one thing in mind. Honestly, whether it was a trophy or a medal wasn't important.' These words were interpreted by many as a dismissal of the honour of representing the Taeguk Warriors. As the criticism intensified, the Tottenham loanee realised the gravity of his statement and took to social media to issue a comprehensive and heartfelt apology to his compatriots.

In his lengthy statement, Yang expressed regret for how his words were perceived by the public. The player wrote: 'Hello, this is Yang Min-hyeok. I am sincerely sorry for causing disappointment and discomfort to so many people with my remarks regarding the Asian Games. Participating in the Asian Games as a representative of South Korea held great significance for me, and as an athlete, I naturally gave my all with the goal of winning the championship and the gold medal. However, I failed to properly convey that the military service exemption was merely one of several motivators - alongside the desire to achieve great results - that drove me forward.'

Addressing the military service community

Beyond the sporting implications, Yang's comments were seen by some as insensitive toward the thousands of young South Korean men currently serving their mandatory terms in the armed forces. The winger was quick to address this specific point in his apology, acknowledging the hard work required to earn such a prestigious achievement and the respect he holds for those in active service.

Yang continued his explanation by stating: 'Regardless of my original intent, it is clearly my fault that my words caused discomfort and made it appear as though I took the significance of the gold medal lightly as a national team athlete. I recognise that the gold medal was not something simply guaranteed; it was an achievement made possible only through the hard work and support of many people. Furthermore, I never intended to belittle or mock the efforts of those currently fulfilling their military service obligations or those who will do so in the future. I sincerely apologise to everyone who was hurt or disappointed by my thoughtless remarks. Moving forward, I will strive to make amends not only through my words but by demonstrating a better attitude and a greater sense of responsibility on the field. My sincere apologies.'

South Korea extend remarkable Asian Games gold medal streak

South Korea have established a dominant dynasty in the Asian Games men's football tournament, winning gold in each of the last four editions. Their historic streak began in 2014 with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over North Korea, sealed by central defender Rim Chang-woo's winner in the 121st minute.

Ledley King has backed Tottenham to turn their season around quickly, urging Roberto De Zerbi's side to draw on last season's relegation escape to end their winless start to the Premier League campaign.

Spurs are bottom of the Premier League table with two points from five league matches, ahead of facing Manchester United this weekend.

A difficult start comes despite an increase in expectations, after a summer of lavish spending that followed successive 17th-placed finishes. De Zerbi arrived as head coach in March, with Spurs struggling near the bottom of the table. A final-day win saw Spurs avoid relegation, before the club embarked on a summer spending spree.

The new arrivals, including Sandro Tonali, Savio, Mateus Fernandes, and Omar Marmoush, have so far been unable to turn around the club's form.

Speaking at a recent Hall of Fame event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, former club captain King said the experience of last season's struggles should help ahead of Saturday's trip to Manchester United.

It's been tough at the moment, but you can see signs of improvement game by game," King said.

"[They have] no choice. You have to find a way. Most of the group have gone through difficult periods and they managed to find a way out last season.

"They'll have to draw on that to a certain degree, but there is no easy way. You keep working on the training pitch, keep putting the work in."

King believes a single positive result could be the catalyst Tottenham need.

"It's just a confidence thing. These are top players. I'm sure once the first positive result goes for the team, things can turn around very quickly. Just keep working hard, keep believing in yourself. That's the only way to do it."

The former England centre-back was speaking after being one of four people inducted into the club's relaunched Hall of Fame. King spent his entire career at Tottenham, making 323 appearances despite a long-standing knee injury. He won the League Cup in 2008 and captained the club during their first Champions League campaign two years later.