Sports Mole

Thomas Frank has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus is “touch and go” to feature against Manchester United on Saturday.Â

Spurs bounced back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats when they defeated Copenhagen 4-0 at home in the Champions League, and they will now be aiming to pick up another three points at home.Â

The north London club have failed to win in their last three Premier League home games, losing two of them, but Frank will be boosted by the return of some of his key players.Â

Ahead of the match, Frank confirmed that Kudus's availability for the game against Man Utd for the lunchtime kick-off is still pending.Â

Missing Mohammed Kudus would be a big blow for Spurs

Kudus moved to Spurs in the summer transfer window from West Ham United in a summer deal worth around £55m, and he has settled in nicely in Frank's system.Â

The Ghana international, who has recorded one goal and five assists in 15 appearances, missed Tuesday's Champions League home win over Copenhagen after sustaining a knock.Â

“Kudus is touch-and-go for tomorrow – we’ll see. Cuti (Romero) and Dest (Udogie) responded well after being out for a small spell, so fit and available," said Frank, as quoted by Sky Sports.Â

Brennan Johnson started on the right flank in his place for Kudus, and he is likely to continue if the 25-year-old remains absent against United.Â

Spurs injury latest ahead of Man Utd showdown

Frank has confirmed that Tottenham are aiming for striker Dominic Solanke to return after the November international break.

Solanke has not started a game this season, and only made three substitute appearances due to an ankle injury, but he is expected to return soon.Â

Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are long-term absentees, and they are unlikely to return any time soon.Â

Meanwhile, Spurs will also be without Lucas Bergvall, who will miss tomorrow’s game with a concussion sustained in the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea.Â

Manchester United could be without the services of both Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez for Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur in North London.

Martinez is now back in full training after recovering from the knee injury which has sidelined him since February, and the Argentina international is closing in on a return to action.

However, Manchester Evening News have reported that the centre-back was not with the Man United squad that travelled down to London from Stockport Station on Friday afternoon.

According to the publication, Mainoo was also absent, suggesting at an injury issue for the Englishman.

Man United head coach Ruben Amorim did not mention any fresh problems when he spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon, but Mainoo could have potentially since suffered a problem.

Tottenham vs. Man United: Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez set to miss out for Red Devils in North London

Jack Fletcher was pictured, though, with the 18-year-old in line for a spot in the squad; the youngster is the son of former Man United midfielder Darren Fletcher, and his twin brother Tyler Fletcher is also in the Red Devils set-up.

Mainoo has had a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign, with the 20-year-old yet to start a Premier League match, totalling just 138 minutes across seven league fixtures.

The England international is being heavily linked with a January move away from Man United, with Napoli thought to be at the head of the queue for his services.

The 20-year-old's contract with Man United is due to expire in June 2027, although the club do have the option to extend his deal for a further 12 months until June 2028.

Amorim has big decisions to make all over the pitch for the clash against Tottenham, with Patrick Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount all pushing to be introduced back into the side following the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest last time out.

Man United are currently eighth in the Premier League table, just two points off second-placed Manchester City ahead of gameweek 11 in England's top flight.

Reported Man United squad vs. Tottenham

Lammens, Bayindir, Heaton;Â Dalot, Yoro, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Dorgu, Shaw, Maguire; Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mount. J. Fletcher; Cunha, Amad, Sesko, Mbeumo, Zirkzee

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Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur welcome Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United to North London for their latest Premier League fixture on Saturday lunchtime.

Both teams currently sit level on points after 10 matches, with Spurs in sixth and the Red Devils in eighth, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. MANCHESTER UNITED

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SPURS

Out:Â Lucas Bergvall (concussion), Yves Bissouma (ankle), Dominic Solanke (ankle), Radu Dragusin (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Ben Davies (thigh), Kota Takai (thigh), Archie Gray (calf)

Doubtful:Â Mohammed Kudus (knock)

Sports Mole's predicted XI:Â Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons

MAN UNITED

Out:Â Lisandro Martinez (knee)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI:Â Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly showing keen interest in signing Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo and are preparing a formal offer.Â

After two defeats in a row, Spurs bounced back to winning ways in midweek, beating Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Â

Thomas Frank is currently dealing with several injury issues, especially in the attacking department, and reports have emerged that they are looking to sign a La Liga winger in the January transfer window.Â

According to a report from Fichajes, Spurs have identified Kubo as a top attacking priority, and there is a possibility that the player could be interested in moving to the Premier League.Â

Spurs eye move for Kubo?Â

The report claims that the north London club are preparing an offer of around £52m to sign the Japanese attacker in the winter transfer window.Â

The 24-year-old winger is keen on a move, and there is a feeling in San Sebastian that retaining the player will not be easy.Â

Spurs are reportedly confident of finalising the deal quickly for Kubo, and his £52m release clause leaves no room for Sociedad to negotiate on his fee.Â

The former Barcelona youth academy player joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2019, but he has not played for them, and spent time elsewhere on loan before securing a permanent move to Sociedad in 2022.Â

The Japanese international has made over 145 appearances for Sociedad and has scored 24 goals in all competitions.

Takefusa Kubo: Good move for Spurs?Â

Capable of playing on both flanks, Kubo has established himself as a regular La Liga player and could be a good addition to the Tottenham squad in January.Â

Ideally, Sociedad want to keep him, but they understand that it will be impossible for them to compete financially with big Premier League clubs.Â

Aston Villa have been previously linked with a move for Kubo, but it appears Spurs are ahead in the race to sign him.Â

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that he is concerned by the amount of goals that his side have conceded during the 2025-26 campaign.

The Red Devils have let in 16 goals in their opening 10 matches of the Premier League season, with only five teams - Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers - conceding more.

Man United shipped another two goals in their 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest last time out, while they have only kept one clean sheet in all competitions during the current campaign.

Ten points have been secured from the last 12 available in England's top flight, which has left them in eighth spot in the Premier League table, only two points off second-placed Manchester City.

However, ahead of Saturday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim admitted that his team's defensive record is "a problem".

Man United have conceded 16 goals in the Premier League this season

"It’s a problem, especially if you see the league nowadays. The team that is winning all the games is not suffering goals, maybe [even] some shots on target, and that is a big thing," Amorim told reporters.

"When you have talented players, if you defend well, in one opportunity you can score a goal and win a game but I think it’s more a team thing. We need to defend better, we need to be more aggressive.

"That part of the energy when we have the full energy in every ball, we defend better. So everything is connected, but of course we have a lot to do. We cannot suffer the amount of goals that we are suffering and that is a thing we need to improve.

"You can attack really well. Sometimes when you defend better, you attack better, so I think it’s not that. It’s the way we defend the box, but I think the last game we struggled a bit inside the box, because outside the box we allowed the crosses without any pressure.

"So these small details you watch from the last game, we worked on during this week to try to improve that. We suffer goals especially in the beginning of the season, but we didn’t allow much to Arsenal to win that game, but in our last game, they had 17 shots.

"That, we cannot allow. That is something that we need to change and we pay attention to that. We can attack the same way, we can score even more goals but we need to defend better.”

Amorim: 'Confidence is growing among Man United players'

Amorim also said that his side are "more confident" due to their recent upturn in form.

“I think we are more confident. We believe more, that we can win any game and we prove already that we can win any game. The last game was tough on us because in some moments we were not the team that we’re supposed to be in every minute. Compare that to Brighton," he told reporters.

"We suffered two goals against Brighton but it was a different thing. We know that we cannot forget that we have a lot to improve. We are more prepared for anything that happens in the game, so that is also a good thing.

"We are in a better moment but we also know that we have a lot to do, a lot to improve, to win more these kind of games and consistently win games in a row. We know that we are capable, we are confident but we also know that we struggle sometimes in games where we need to do better.”

Man United have lost each of their last four matches against Tottenham, while they have not triumphed away to the North London club since October 2021.

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Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis in January.

The 21-year-old could be a new option on the market for the Reds, who have suffered a recent blow in the pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.

Arne Slot's side missed out on a key transfer target over the summer, with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi eventually staying put at Selhurst Park.

As a result, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have soldiered on as the first-choice pairing at the back of the pitch for the Premier League champions.

After recent struggles, Liverpool's results have picked up massively over the past week or so, defeating both Aston Villa and Real Madrid at Anfield.

Liverpool, Tottenham send scouts to watch Koulierakis?

According to TBR Football, there could be a Bundesliga talent making their way over to the riches of the Premier League in January.

The report claims that both Liverpool and Tottenham are keen on securing the services of Wolfsburg and Greece defender Koulierakis.

Just 21 years of age and left-footed, the centre-back is said to be an exciting option for the two clubs, who have sent scouts to watch him live.

It is understood that there is potential for Koulierakis to leave Wolfsburg in the January transfer window amid interest from across Europe.

The German side possess a recent record of nurturing defensive talents, including current Spurs star Micky van de Ven and Palace's Maxence Lacroix.

Koulierakis's career to date

Koulierakis's senior career commenced in the first-team setup at PAOK in Greece, where he came through the academy as a teenager before making 72 appearances.

The 21-year-old made the big leap from his homeland to Germany during the summer of 2024, signing for Bundesliga regulars Wolfsburg.

The centre-back is also beginning to cement himself on the international stage, starting both of Greece's World Cup qualifiers in October.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly moved ahead in the race for Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney in January.

The 29-year-old is set to be courted by a number of Premier League clubs in the New Year, with Manchester United credited with an interest in the player last month.

Toney secured a lucrative switch to the Middle East during the summer of 2024, scoring an impressive 30 goals across 44 appearances last term.

The penalty expert has commenced the 2025-26 campaign in similar fashion, netting 11 goals in 15 competitive matches for Al-Ahli.

Toney was a key part of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad for England, hitting the target from 12 yards during the shootout success over Switzerland.

Tottenham leading race for Frank favourite Toney

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have moved a step closer to arranging the exciting signing of former Brentford star Toney in the New Year.

The report states that the Europa League holders are the current frontrunners in the hunt for the striker, leading the race for his services.

It is understood that Spurs head coach Thomas Frank has already made direct contact with Toney to discuss a potential winter transfer.

It is believed that Toney is keen on securing a loan move back to the Premier League in the New Year, in order to give himself the best chance of making Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.

As well as European champions Spurs, West Ham United and Everton are also supposedly circling around the former Brentford hitman.

Short-term Spurs solution

Due to the injuries to Richarlison and Dominic Solanke at the beginning of this season, Tottenham have been noticeably short in central-striking areas.

As a result, the arrival of Toney from Al-Ahli would represent an excellent short-term solution to Spurs' problem, given he can hit the ground running.

The 29-year-old bagged 72 goals across 141 appearances under the tutelage of Frank at Brentford, so the pair know exactly what to expect from each other.

Tottenham Hotspur could be without as many as 10 players for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United in North London.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin (all knee), Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma (both ankle), Ben Davies, Kota Takai (both thigh) and Archie Gray (calf) all remain sidelined as they continue to recover from injury.

This weekend’s contest will also come too soon for Lucas Bergvall who is required to follow concussion protocols, while Mohammed Kudus is a doubt after missing Tottenham’s 4-0 Champions League win over Copenhagen on Tuesday with a knock.

The potential absence of Kudus could see Brennan Johnson - who scored before being sent off against Copenhagen - handed a start on the right flank, while Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert most likely battle it out for a place on the opposite wing.

Randal Kolo Muani is yet to score in seven appearances for Spurs this term and after starting in three of their last four matches in all competitions, head coach Thomas Frank will consider replacing the French striker with Richarlison, who missed a late penalty against Copenhagen.

Pape Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur are both expected to retain their places in midfield and will likely be joined in the starting lineup by Joao Palhinha, who has scored three of his four goals this season on home soil, including one against Copenhagen last time out.

Djed Spence could also return to the first XI at the expense of left-back Destiny Udogie, while surprise top scorer Micky van de Ven - who scored a magnificent solo goal against Copenhagen - is set to continue alongside Cristian Romero at centre-back, with Pedro Porro operating at right-back.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Vicario;Â Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons

> Click here to see how Manchester United could line up for this contest

No Data Analysis info

Sitting level on points and within touching distance of the Premier League’s top three, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United do battle in North London on Saturday lunchtime.

The two teams meet for the first time since last season’s Europa League final in May when Brennan Johnson scored the only goal in a 1-0 triumph for Spurs in Bilbao.

Match preview

After being booed off the pitch by their own supporters following their wretched 1-0 defeat to rivals Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend, Tottenham bounced back in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night as they put Copenhagen to the sword 4-0 on home soil in the Champions League.

With Spurs leading 2-0 but down to 10 men after Johnson's second-half red card, “Lionel Messi turned into Micky van de Ven” in the words of Thomas Frank, as the centre-back ran the entire length of the pitch to score a sensational goal-of-the-season contender, just three minutes before Joao Palhinha added a fourth to secure their second win from four League Phase fixtures.

Tottenham fans are now crying out for consistency and Frank is optimistic that his side can build an extended run of form. The Danish boss believes his team has taken a “step forward”, both stylistically and structurally, but whether their goal-laden display against Copenhagen will prove to be a turning point remains to be seen.

Sitting sixth in the Premier League table and just a point behind Liverpool in third, Spurs head into Saturday’s contest seeking to win three consecutive top-flight matches against Man United for the first time since the 1959-60 campaign after completing the double over the Red Devils last season.

However, no team has lost more Premier League home games in 2025 than Tottenham (nine); only in 1994 and 2003 (10 in each) have Spurs reached double figures for home defeats in a calendar year in their league history. Meanwhile, Frank has suffered nine losses in his last 16 home league games (W3 D4) across spells with Brentford and Spurs.

Man United and head coach Ruben Amorim deserve credit for how they have responded to a turbulent start to the campaign, with a humbling 3-1 defeat at Brentford at the end of September followed by three successive Premier League wins and a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest last weekend.

The Red Devils’ 1-0 half-time lead at the City Ground evaporated within the space of three second-half minutes after strikes from Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolo Savona. However, a superb volley from Amad Diallo nine minutes from time salvaged a point for a spirited Man United outfit and extended their run of scoring two or more goals to four matches.

Amorim, who has been nominated for October’s Manager of the Month award, believes that his players are “giving everything” and “have the potential to do better” in their quest to push the club up the table. The Portuguese has also encouraged his team to maintain high energy levels after noticing a ‘drop’ against Forest.

Now sitting eight in the table and only behind both Spurs and Chelsea on goal difference, Man United will endeavour to put together a run of five games without defeat for the first time since January/February 2024, which was also the last time they scored at least two goals in five successive matches.

However, the Red Devils are winless in their last seven meetings with this weekend’s opponents Tottenham across all competitions (D2 L5), losing each of the last four; the last team to win five in a row against the 20-time top-flight champions were Liverpool between 2000 and 2002.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Manchester United Premier League form:

Team News

Tottenham will be without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin (all knee), Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma (both ankle), Ben Davies, Kota Takai (both thigh) and Archie Gray (calf) due to injury, while Saturday’s contest will also come too soon for Lucas Bergvall who is required to follow concussion protocols.

Mohammed Kudus is a doubt after missing the midweek win over Copenhagen with a knock and his potential absence could see Johnson handed a start on the right flank, as Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert most likely battle it out for a place on the opposite wing.

Richarlison will continue to push Randal Kolo Muani for a start up front, while midfielder Joao Palhinha and versatile full-back Djed Spence are both expected to earn recalls, with the latter potentially replacing Destiny Udogie at left-back.

As for Man United, their only injury concern is with Lisandro Martinez, who has been sidelined since February with a serious knee injury. Although the defender has returned to training, Amorim may decide to hold off his first-team return until after the international break.

Harry Maguire was fit to return to the substitutes’ bench for the draw at Nottingham Forest and Amorim will weigh up whether to recall the centre-back or stick with Leny Yoro alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw.

Bruno Fernandes is expected to link up with either Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte - most likely the former - in centre-midfield. The Red Devils captain is looking to assist in three consecutive away games for the first time since November 2020 after setting up goals against Forest and Liverpool.

Only against Brighton and Southampton (five) has Bryan Mbeumo scored more Premier League goals than he has against Spurs (four), with three of those four netted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Cameroonian is set to continue in the front three alongside Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Manchester United

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Saturday’s intriguing fixture could go either way given that both teams have struggled for consistency this season, though Man United’s recent upturn in form and growing sense of unity should boost their confidence.

The last two meetings have been tight affairs, ending 1-0 in Spurs’ favour, but we anticipate a more open contest this time around, with both teams cancelling each other out in an entertaining score draw.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Previews by email

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Fresh from their emphatic victory over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, Tottenham will be hoping to keep their momentum going when they welcome Manchester United to the capital this Saturday afternoon.

Spurs have won their last four meetings against the Red Devils and they will be determined to continue that trend as they look to shake off last weekend's Premier League defeat to Chelsea.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's injury and suspension issues ahead of the game with Man United.

James Maddison

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â ACL

Possible return date:Â Next season

James Maddison picked up a devastating ACL injury during pre-season - one which is likely to keep the player out of action until the end of the current season.

When asked whether there was any chance the 28-year-old could return this term, manager Thomas Frank told Football London: "I think we need to get past Christmas to see how quick he is going. Normally, you would say nine months, as I understand it, without me being a doctor. So, let’s see.”

Dejan Kulusevski

Status:Â Out

Type of injury: Knee injury

Possible return date:Â November 29 (vs. Fulham)

Dejan Kulusevski has been out for over five months after picking up a serious patella injury last May.

According to latest reports, the Swede is just a few weeks away from making his return to action, though he is certainly not in contention to be involved in this weekend's clash with Man United.Â

Dominic Solanke

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Ankle/foot injury

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Dominic Solanke managed to make two Premier League appearances this season before picking up an ankle injury in late August.

The striker, who is yet to start a competitive game under the new Spurs manager, underwent minor surgery in order to deal with his ongoing injury issue. He could be back as early as the North London derby on November 23.

Ben Davies

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Thigh injury

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Ben Davies has been involved in four matches this season, and all four came on international duty for Wales. His last such appearance ended on a sour note as he was withdrawn early against Belgium due to a hamstring injury.Â

The initial prognosis was four to five weeks on the sidelines, with Davies looking to get himself fit for the much-anticipated North London derby later this month.

Radu Dragusin

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Knee injury

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Radu Dragusin has been out of action since January when he picked up a nasty ACL injury during a Europa League fixture.

The Romanian defender has returned to full team training in recent days and is reportedly progressing well as he continues to work on his match fitness.

Yves Bissouma

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Ankle/foot injury

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Yves Bissouma picked up a nasty injury during the international break in October, with the player being stretchered off during Mali's World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.

The player has since undergone surgery to overcome his ligament injury, and he could return as early as the Arsenal game on November 23.

Archie Gray

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Calf injury

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Archie Gray has been on the sidelines for the last three games after sustaining an injury in training over a fortnight ago.

The teenage defender is regarded as a fringe player due to his limited minutes on the pitch, but he is expected to be available for selection towards the end of November.

Kota Takai

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Thigh injury

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Still a bit of an unknown for Tottenham fans, Kota Takai is yet to make an appearance for the club since arriving in the Premier League from Kawasaki Frontale.Â

The 21-year-old has been dealing with a thigh injury since the summer, though Frank revealed in a recent press conference that the player is due to return to full training.Â

Lucas Bergvall

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Head injury

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Just 10 minutes into last weekend's clash against Chelsea, Lucas Bergvall took a ball to the face and was forced to be swapped for Xavi Simons.

According to concussion protocols, Bergvall will have to remain on the sidelines for a minimum of 12 days. This means the player will not be back until after November's international break.

Mohammed Kudus

Status:Â Minor doubt

Type of injury:Â Knock

Possible return date:Â November 8 (vs. Man United)

Mohammed Kudus was not only absent from training on Monday, but he was also sidelined for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Copenhagen due to a knock.

The 25-year-old has been Spurs’ most impressive attacking threat since signing from West Ham over the summer. Luckily for Frank, there is a good chance that the midfielder will be available for selection against Man United.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players banned for this Premier League contest.