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Tottenham vs Manchester United preview: Team news, lineups, prediction

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Tottenham are set to host Manchester United in a return to Premier League action on Saturday.

Man United will travel to face Spurs for the first time since the Europa League final as the pair are set to meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Thomas Frank can have better confidence in his side after Tottenham secured a 4-0 win against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

There is hope that this will end the hoodoo surrounding home matches after Spurs suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in their last league game.

Man United under Ruben Amorim represent an unpredictable test, and now Tottenham News has provided everything you need to know ahead of the N17 clash.

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Form guide

Tottenham: DWLLW

Man United: LWWWD

Team news

Tottenham don’t appear to have any new issues, with Mohammed Kudus’ fitness representing the latest concern in North London.

The Ghana international missed out against Copenhagen and has since confirmed that his issue is “getting better”, but it remains unclear whether he could feature against United.

The Lilywhites will continue to be without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Kota Takai and Archie Gray.

Man United have much fewer injury worries, with Lisandro Martinez back in training and potentially able to make his return to action against Spurs.

Harry Maguire should also be available after being passed fit enough to take a spot on the bench against Nottingham Forest last time around.

Predicted lineups

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie, Palhinha, Bentancur, Sarr, Kudus, Odobert, Kolo Muani

Man United: Lammens, Amad, Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw, Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko

Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Manchester United

The Lilywhites have seriously struggled in the Premier League when it comes to playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The defeat against Chelsea was a particular low point and is something that can’t be replicated if Frank wants to look up the table rather than down.

Spurs will hope that the win against Copenhagen can represent a turning point, but that won’t be easy against a Man United side on the up.

Amorim appears to have turned a corner somewhat in recent weeks, and with Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko, and Fernandes, they pose a consistent goal threat.

A score draw feels like a reasonable prediction, but there is no doubt that both sides will be secretly hopeful of three points.

Mohammed Kudus returns as Xavi Simons faces axe in double change

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Mohammed Kudus returns as Xavi Simons faces axe in double change – Tottenham predicted XI vs Manchester United

Xavi Simons could return to the bench as Tottenham face Manchester United on Saturday.

Tottenham are set to face Man United in a return to Premier League action just three days after their Champions League exploits.

Thomas Frank finally secured a much-needed win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Tottenham beat Copenhagen 4-0 on Tuesday.

Micky van de Ven scored a wondergoal for Spurs, capping off what was an excellent night in Europe’s elite competition.

Attentions now turn back to the domestic stage in N17, with Simons potentially set to face the axe ahead of a clash with the Red Devils.

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Joao Palhinha could return vs Manchester United

Tottenham last faced Man United in the Europa League final as the Lilywhites and Ange Postecoglou secured a 1-0 win and the trophy.

The two sides will now meet again, with a familiar feel potentially set to be on show in Spurs’ backline.

Guglielmo Vicario looks likely to keep his place and could once again be supported by van de Ven and Cristian Romero at the back.

That can only be a boost to Frank and Co. after the duo completed six defensive actions between them last time around.

This ideal centre-back pairing could be joined, as it was in Bilbao, by Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro after their positive shift in midweek.

The duo combined to win nine duels while also creating two chances from full-back against Copenhagen.

Joao Palhinha could come in and sit in front of this stable back-four after coming off the bench to score and assist in the Champions League.

The Portugal international could link up once again with Rodrigo Bentancur, despite the reservations of some supporters against this midfield pairing.

Mohammed Kudus could make Tottenham return vs Man United

With Palhina potentially coming in, it could be another Premier League feature off the bench for Simons, just as he did against Chelsea.

The Netherlands international may have grabbed an assist against Copenhagen, but may benefit from further domestic minutes off the bench.

Pape Matar Sarr could prove to be the most progressive midfield option in a three, with a view to finding Wilson Odobert and Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghana international missed out on the Champions League clash, but has since revealed that his issue is “getting better” and could point to his return against United.

After maintaining a 96 per cent pass accuracy while taking three shots in the Chelsea defeat, he will be fired up to perform against Ruben Amorim’s side.

That would be a sizable boost for Frank, especially if he starts alongside Randal Kolo Muani, who looked much-improved against the Danes in N17.

Thomas Frank will be delighted as Premier League make announcement ahead of Tottenham vs Manchester United

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Thomas Frank will be delighted at Premier League announcement ahead of Tottenham vs Manchester United

The Premier League have confirmed that Sam Barrott will officiate Tottenham’s clash with Manchester United on Saturday, with John Brooks on VAR duties.

Tottenham are the favourites to beat Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as they look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.

Last week saw Thomas Frank‘s side lose 1-0 to Chelsea, in what was a woeful display that saw the home side produce just one shot on target.

But on Tuesday, Tottenham beat FC Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League, with Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Micky van de Ven, and Joao Palhinha all finding the net.

Johnson was sent off against Copenhagen after his late challenge on Marcos Lopez was deemed worthy of an on-field review.

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Premier League confirm match officials vs Manchester United

Tottenham have not beaten Manchester United three consecutive times in the Premier League since 1960, but have a chance to do exactly that on 8 November.

The Red Devils have recovered from a terrible start to the season to win three of their last four league matches, however, and will present a difficult challenge for Frank’s side.

The Premier League have now confirmed the match officials for the clash, with Barrott set to oversee proceedings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Englishman has refereed just three Tottenham games, with the last being the 6-3 loss to Liverpool last season.

Frank will be more focused on the man on video assistant referee duties; however, with the Dane sharing some history with Brooks.

Thomas Frank defended John Brooks after clanger

Frank’s Brentford travelled to take on Tottenham at the start of last season, and got off to a brilliant start when Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring within the first minute.

Goals from Dominic Solanke, Johnson and James Maddison would see Tottenham win, but much of the discussion surrounded a moment for Vicario.

The goalkeeper came out to claim a cross but dropped it before clearly handling the ball outside of the penalty box.

Brooks was unmoved, however, and the video assistant referee did not get involved. Speaking after the game, Frank said: “It was a mistake. It could have been a free-kick to us. It could have helped us. But, hey, you never know.

“I think the probability of scoring from a direct free-kick is like 0.0543, so probably not the biggest probability for scoring anyway.

“And I think John Brooks overall had a very good game. The way he handled soft fouls both ways was really good.”

It is rare for a manager to defend a referee, and part of Frank will be hoping that Brooks remembers that when he reviews the incidents that arise from Saturday’s clash.

Tottenham suffer ‘blow’ to young defender as injury strikes again at Hotspur Way

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Tottenham could have had five players at the Under-17s World Cup had it not been for various injuries.

Luca Williams-Barnett was one of three Tottenham youngsters called up for the tournament.

However, despite earning his senior debut in Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup, Williams-Barnett started from the bench in their 3-0 defeat to Venezuela’s Under-17s on Tuesday.

As a result, fans will be hoping that the talented midfielder starts against Haiti on 7 November in a bid to turn his team’s fortunes around.

Elijah Upson injury is a blow for Tottenham

Elijah Upson was forced to withdraw from the England Under-17s World Cup squad due to injury on 4 November.

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The promising young defender is one of Tottenham’s most promising youngsters, and fans would’ve been eager to see him in action.

As a result, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes this is a massive blow for Spurs, given they could’ve had five players representing them at the competition.

“Spurs have been hit by the blow to Elijah Upson, who has withdrawn through injury,” Wenham said.

“Without injury, Spurs could have had all of Upson, Jun’ai Byfield, Malachi Hardy, Williams-Barnett and Tynan Thompson in the squad. It is a very promising group of players.”

Tynan Thompson shows his class

While Thompson was unable to attempt the Under-17s World Cup, the winger was one of the stand outs in Spurs’ 3-2 defeat to Copenhagen in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday.

Indeed, the left winger put on an impressive second half cameo where he netted the Lilywhites second goal of the game.

This is similar to his substitute performance during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw to Wycombe Wanderers during pre-season where he assisted Pape Matar Sarr’s second.

Indeed, his cameo even had fans convinced that Thompson should replace Son Heung-min at Tottenham.

While it is a little too early for that, the youngster made quite the impression and is no doubt one to keep an eye on this season.

Randal Kolo Muani rewarded for emergence under Thomas Frank as announcement made away from Tottenham

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Randal Kolo Muani will be absolutely thrilled with how he’s settled into Tottenham’s starting lineup, with his form now rewarded with a France call-up.

Kolo Muani joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, and he’s started the last two Premier League matches under Thomas Frank.

In Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Copenhagen, Kolo Muani chased down goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski, before bringing the ball down brilliantly and teeing up Wilson Odobert to make it 2-0.

Kolo Muani is beginning to find his feet at Tottenham, and he has managed to earn himself a call-up to the France squad for the upcoming international break.

Randal Kolo Muani returns to France squad

The imposing striker has scored nine goals in 31 caps for his country, and he’s desperate to appear in successive World Cups for Les Bleus.

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Kolo Muani was part of the France squad that lost out to Argentina in the thrilling 2022 World Cup final.

The 26-year-old has been prolific throughout his career and he has prominently featured in the France squad since his debut in 2022.

For Tottenham, his hold-up play has been key, registering a pass accuracy of 86.7 per cent in the Premier League.

He is the striker with the best pass accuracy in the top flight to have played over 100 minutes, and his call-up to the France squad is not a surprise based on his fantastic goalscoring record.

France are looking to secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup in their matches against Ukraine and Azerbaijan on 13 and 16 November.

It’s not just his ability to retain the ball that has been impressive, as the striker has been dispossessed only twice in 146 minutes of action.

Kolo Muani’s injury-ridden start to the season didn’t help with how he settled into the team, yet since replacing Richarlison up front, he has shown his potential to be a success.

Due to his injury issues, the 26-year-old was left out of the last international squad, and he’ll be desperate to prove himself again under Didier Deschamps.

Of course, he needs to score his first goal in a Tottenham shirt, and huge matches against Man United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain signify a huge month ahead.

Randal Kolo Muani primed for first Spurs goal vs Man United

Spurs take on the Red Devils at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, and the signs are promising for Kolo Muani to break his duck.

Ruben Amorim’s side have only kept one clean sheet in all competitions and eight goals conceded in the last five games bodes well for the French striker.

Frank has gotten the best out of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney in the past, and with Kolo Muani possessing a similar profile, it’s clear that the 23-year-old could become a major success at Tottenham.

There’s a real chance that he gets off the mark for his new club, and after his performance on Tuesday against Copenhagen, there’s no reason why Kolo Muani shouldn’t be full of confidence.

Mauricio Pochettino lessens Ange Postecoglou achievement as Tottenham return on

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Mauricio Pochettino seemed to diminish Ange Postecoglou’s successful end to his time at Tottenham with his latest comments.

Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham despite winning the Europa League last season, with Pochettino heavily linked with a return.

However, Thomas Frank was selected as the new Tottenham boss, and he has had a positive start to his reign in North London.

Pochettino is one of the best managers in Spurs’ history, and he came so close to winning the Premier League and Champions League in his time in the dugout.

Mauricio Pochettino shares Tottenham return thoughts, shades Postecoglou in the process

In an interview with talkSPORT on 6 November, Pochettino was asked about whether he would return to the Premier League.

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He did not rule out a comeback to English football, potentially opening the door to a return to Spurs, but he also seemed to suggest that the Lilywhites should be targeting the highest honours.

He said: “Maybe it’s possible. Yes, maybe my challenge in the future, of course, after the World Cup and being now focusing on the USA national team, is maybe to come back one day to the Premier League.

“We were so close with Tottenham to win the Premier League and the and Champions League, and I think the fans, not the fans, but I think in that case we wanted to win the Premier League and the Champions League because it’s in that case.

“Tottenham is a club that deserves this type of titles, you know, this type of trophies,” Pochettino said.

He added: “And yes, why not one day to come back to the Premier League? For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world, the most competitive.

And yes, I don’t say that it’s an unfinished show, but I think why not have the possibility again to

challenge and to be involved in the Premier League and to challenge for the big things.”

That seems like a shot at Postecoglou’s achievements last season, as he won the Europa League, which is considered as a second-rate trophy, rather than one of the big two.

When could Pochettino return to Tottenham?

Spurs supporters still love the Argentine, as he has a connection with them, that no other manager has been able to garner since.

He was unlucky not to bring one of the big two to N17, and his side was one of the best ever in the Lilywhites’ history, with the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min starring every week.

In theory, the 53-year-old may be available directly after the 2026 World Cup, if the campaign does not go the way that it is expected to.

The United States will want a positive campaign on home soil, and if that materialises, Pochettino may decide to stay on.

He could then not be available until after the 2030 tournament, but that seems like an unlikely situation considering the fact that he seems to be eager to get back into English football.

Spurs fans will have to wait and see, but he will only be coming in as their new manager if Frank does not meet expectations.

Richarlison to run scared as Tottenham open talks for player Thomas Frank loves

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Tottenham have advanced their interest in Brentford striker Igor Thiago, which could lead to trouble for Richarlison.

After signing for Brentford under Thomas Frank last season, 24-year-old Thiago suffered two serious knee injuries which left him unavailable for much of the campaign.

Thiago has finally proven himself in England under Keith Andrews, scoring six goals in 10 Premier League appearances.

Thiago has been linked with a move to Tottenham, and it has now emerged that contact has been made with the Brazilian striker.

This could spell bad news for Richarlison‘s future in N17, with the former Everton forward already out of favour under Frank.

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Tottenham make contact with Brentford over Igor Thiago

Only Erling Haaland has scored more goals in the Premier League than Thiago this season, and it looks like he is finally repaying the £30million fee that was paid for his services.

According to Brazilian News outlet Trivela, Tottenham and Newcastle have already made inquiries about Thiago.

After Thiago’s arrival at Brentford in 2024-25, Frank waxed lyrical about the Brazilian forward and the talent he possesses up front.

He said: “We are ahead of the curve. We have signed a key player for a key position. Thiago is a very exciting striker who fits the role in our team.

“He is hard-working and a very good pressing player. He is also a physical presence, very good in the box, and can link the play.”

Richarlison started the season brilliantly for Tottenham. However, after scoring three goals in his first five league matches, he has since been dropped for Randal Kolo Muani.

He has been inconsistent throughout his Tottenham career, and the January transfer window could see him leave the club in favour of regular minutes.

Richarlison’s compatriot Thiago has clearly got confidence flowing through him, and whilst Brentford will be reluctant to let him go, the allure of a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could prove to be decisive.

Frank is keen to bring more of his former players to North London, with Tottenham’s interest in Kevin Schade highlighting that the Danish manager places huge faith in his former players.

It’s clear that Tottenham have struggled to deal with the fact that they don’t have a consistent striker they can rely on.

Richarlison’s drop off in form has come at an awful time

Despite only being on loan at Spurs, Kolo Muani is gaining rhythm in his performances, and it doesn’t bode well for Richarlison at all.

Richarlison’s performance against Newcastle was woeful, and he was hugely criticised for his ineffective display as Tottenham crashed out of the Carabao Cup.

Frank has traditionally preferred strikers who possess brute strength or dynamism, and unfortunately for Richarlison, he has neither.

The 28-year-old must improve drastically; otherwise, the links to Thiago, among other strikers, could have huge consequences for his long-term future.

Micky van de Ven on course to do something never seen before at Tottenham

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Goals have become a common part of Micky van de Ven’s game for Tottenham this season.

Tottenham have had a ropey season to date, but the performances of Van de Ven have been something special for the most part.

The Dutchman scored a wonder goal in Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday, with his all-round display just as impressive.

However, Van de Ven will gain even more recognition for his contributions if he continues this form after the latest reveal.

Spurs have never had a defender like Micky van de Ven

Whether it be Ledley King, Jan Vertonghen or Cristian Romero, Tottenham have had some incredible defenders over the years.

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However, very few of them have posed a constant goal threat.

Until now, with Van de Ven’s Lionel Messi-esque goal in the Champions League, taking him to five for the campaign across all competitions, from an xG of 2.24.

At this rate, the Dutchman is on course to score 10 or more goals this season, which is something that has never been achieved before by a Tottenham defender.

Gareth Bale is an anomaly, having featured as a left-back and as a forward, while some of Spurs’ best defenders in recent history have only been able to hit six.

Centre-backs are becoming more of a goal threat in modern football, but there is arguably none who poses such a threat compared to Van de Ven when it comes to open play.

Micky van de Ven has been sensational in the Champions League

Not only does he have goals in his game, but Van de Ven is also a very good defender.

Via FotMob, the Dutchman has completed 22 recoveries in the Champions League, which is better than 95.5 per cent of players in his position.

Van de Ven has a 94 per cent pass accuracy, with 237 completed passes, which is again among the highest for central defenders in the competition.

His ability in the air, as well as his ability to read the game, is top class, and the fact that Van de Ven is Tottenham’s top scorer is the cherry on top of what has been an excellent start to the season for him.

Thomas Frank could oversee spectacular Tottenham feat not seen in 65 years vs Manchester United

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Tottenham are preparing to take on Manchester United, with Thomas Frank looking to win three consecutive league games against the Red Devils.

If achieved, it would be the first time this has happened at Spurs since the 1960 campaign, according to BBC Sport on 5 November.

Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs consistently managed to overcome Man United, including a famous 1-0 Tottenham win in the Europa League final.

Now, Frank will be looking to continue this legacy on Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham win vs Manchester United would silence Thomas Frank’s critics

As good as Tottenham’s 4-0 victory over Copenhagen was, it will have done little to silence Frank’s critics.

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Tottenham have been largely inconsistent of late, and a win against an inferior opponent will do little to help the Danes’ prestige.

However, if a win can be achieved against Manchester United, who have returned to form in recent weeks, it will win him a lot more support.

The potential feat he can achieve will be the icing on the cake; even though Postecoglou was in charge for two of these matches, it will be Frank who will get all the credit.

Now, all that is left for the manager to do is to ensure that Spurs deliver come Saturday.

Frank has 100% record against Ruben Amorim

While Frank has only faced Ruben Amorim once, he has beaten the Manchester United manager.

This came while the Dane was still at the Bees, beating the Red Devils 4-3 in a thriller at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Now, there is a chance to repeat this feat, and Spurs will need to repeat their display against Copenhagen to achieve this.

Hopefully, Tottenham will go into the November international break on a high and with another set of three points.

Yves Bissouma could face months out as Tottenham face anxious new wait

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Tottenham will soon find out the severity of Yves Bissouma’s ligament damage after the latest updates on his recovery.

Bissouma has been out injured since being stretchered off for Mali during the October international break and has recently undergone surgery on the issue.

Since Thomas Frank‘s arrival, Bissouma has found game time hard to come by, as Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha are seen as the head coach’s favourites.

Thankfully, the Lilywhites are still seeing success without Bissouma, as Tottenham beat FC Copenhagen 4-0 on Tuesday in the Champions League.

However, Bissouma could still be a useful player for Frank, and the head coach will be anxiously waiting after the latest update on the midfielder’s injury issue.

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Yves Bissouma’s injury return could be a matter of weeks or months

Bissouma was an important player under Ange Postecoglou and was useful for playing progressive passes.

Despite not playing for Frank yet, it would be helpful if the midfielder were still at the disposal of the Tottenham boss, with concerns over Rodrigo Bentancur’s consistency.

Bissouma was taken off for Mali when the national side faced Madagascar in a friendly, just seven minutes after he was subbed on.

It’s believed that he has suffered a ligament injury in the ankle region after footage emerged, with no further updates emerging since his surgery.

Injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar has reviewed footage of Bissouma’s incident and believes that the timeline for the midfielder’s return depends on the “specifics” of the ligament damaged.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham Hotspur News, Dr Brar said: “It depends on the injury specifics – namely, what ligament and the extent of the injury.

“It could be anything from a few weeks to months.”

Is Bissouma’s Spurs career up?

Bissouma has been touted with a move away from Spurs since Frank’s arrival, and when he returns to fitness, the Lilywhites could offload him.

The midfielder now faces an uphill battle, as his injury has come at the completely wrong time for him, as he now has extra work to do to get back into Frank’s plans.

Bissouma for Spurs last season:

Ideally, for Bissouma, it is just a matter of weeks, as the injury hopefully looks worse than what it actually is, but that all depends on his return to fitness after going under the knife.

However, if it is a case of months for Bissouma to return, there’s a strong possibility that we could soon see him exit N17 without playing another game.