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Manchester United will be hoping to keep their home form intact when Tottenham Hotspur come for a visit on Monday Night. A defeat in the second game of the Premier League this season has put a lot of pressure on Mourinho quite early in the season. Which is why this game comes at a crucial time for both Manchester United and their manager – a win would put them right back on track, but a defeat would be unacceptable and would mount even more pressure on the Portuguese. United have won the last 4 games against Spurs at Old Trafford. However, United have a stellar record against Tottenham at home - the Red Devils have won the last 4 games against Spurs at Old Trafford.
Spurs have started their season strong, winning both of their opening games of the season – they won 2-1 away at Newcastle and then saw away Fulham 3-1 at home. United, after winning comfortably against Leicester City with a score of 2-1, stuttered to a disappointing defeat at the hands of Brighton at the Amex Stadium last weekend, losing 3-2.
Spurs already have 5 different goal scorers this season, with Vertonghen, Alli, Kane, Moura and Trippier all getting on the score sheet so far. For United, Pogba has scored 2 – both from penalties and Lukaku and Luke Shaw have 1 each.
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Craig Pawson is in charge of the game. Notably, he has officiated 2 games so far this season and has brandished a red card in both games.
Team News
Nemanja Matic, Antonio Valencia and Alexis Sanchez are all in contention to start against Spurs, after returning to training. New signing Dalot has also resumed training, but is not ready just yet. Ander Herrera is coming back from the injury he picked up against Bayern and could also feature.
Victor Wanyama and Juan Foyth are still injured and will not feature for Tottenham. Heung-min Son is a part of the South Korean squad taking part in the Asian Games, so he will not be available yet.
While the odds are stacked against United in this one, there are 3 prime reasons why Manchester United will come out on top.
#3 The Mourinho Factor
Mourinho lost just 3 games in the Premier League at Old Trafford since joining in 2016 – once in the 2016/17 season against Manchester City and twice in 2017/18 season, against Man City again and West Bromwich Albion. Mourinho has turned Old Trafford into a fortress again.
The Portuguese has masterminded the defeat of Spurs in the home games of both 2016/17 and 2017/18 season. Additionally, United defeated Spurs in the FA Cup semi finals as well last season. Mourinho does have the habit of faltering against lower placed sides, but his record against the top teams is still impeccable.
Right now, Jose Mourinho is a wounded animal. His position at the club has been questioned after just one defeat and he will be desperate to prove all the doubters wrong. The Portuguese knows that a defeat against spurs will only make matters worse, but a win can ease everything. This is what makes Mourinho dangerous and this will work as an advantage for Manchester United.
#2 The Return of Nemanja Matic
Nemanja Matic had a decent World Cup, but returned with an injury that has kept him out of the preseason and the two games in the new season so far. Since joining last year, Matic has become an indispensable part of the Manchester United midfield. He has more tackles, passes and touches on the ball than any other players in the United team by a fair distance. He also conceded very less fouls, because his tackle success rate is very high.
In his absence, United have gone with Andreas Pereira as the deep lying holding midfielder. While the Brazilian has been exceptional, he does not have the experience or the defensive qualities of Matic. The fact that the Serbian has resumed training and is nearing fitness is a good news for Manchester United. Once he returns, Matic will be a perfect foil for the offensive qualities of Fred and Pogba. He will also provide much needed cover and composure to the United defence that has been low of confidence so far.
Against Spurs, Nemanja Matic will be just what Manchester United require and he will be essential to unleash the full potential of Fred and Pogba in the United midfield.
#1 Alexis Sanchez
Chile failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2018 and Manchester United seems to have reaped the benefit. Alexis Sanchez returned to preseason meaner, fitter and with a point to prove. He was United’s standout performer in the preseason and looked set to have a stellar season.
He had a good game against Leicester and set up Lukaku brilliantly only for the Belgian to miss. However, he missed United’s trip to the Amex Stadium with an injury, as United put up a diabolical performance against Brighton.
Sanchez should return to the team against Tottenham immediately because he is arguably United’s most important player this season. His offensive qualities, his dribbles, his shots and his assists are an asset but Sanchez brings so much more to the table.
United’s midfield talisman Paul Pogba requires willing runners on the ball and the Chilean takes up clever positions on the field to enable the Frenchman to spread the play. When Sanchez comes inside the field from the left, he vacates space for Luke Shaw to run into. His partnership with Shaw has also been excellent this season. Sanchez also has a telepathic understanding with Juan Mata, as evident in the preseason. He is a team man – he attempts a lot of through balls, passes well and tries to set up players. Also, the Chilean’s work ethics are exemplary.
Alexis Sanchez is the key to United achieving everything good this season. Against Tottenham, Sanchez could be United’s most important weapon.
