Combined XI of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will lock horns in one of the mouthwatering clashes of Gameweek twenty-two of the Premier League 2018-19 campaign. The fixture is crucial to both the sides for two different reasons. A win for Spurs would close the gap between them and the league leaders, Liverpool, whereas for United it's about fighting for the fourth place.

The rivalry between the two sides is historically not as significant as few other rivalries in the Premier League. However, in recent times, Spurs has surpassed United and challenging for the title. Both the teams have enough firepower in them to turn any game on its head. If the likes of Kane, Eriksen, and Ali provides an attacking threat for Pochettino; Rashford, Martial and Pogba are the most significant weapons Solskjaer has in his armory.

Hence without much ado, let's look at the combined XI of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur players in a 4-3-3 formation.

#11 GK - David De Gea (Manchester United)

De Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in the World at the moment

The Spaniard is not only the best goalkeeper in the Premier League but one of the best in the world. His agility, reflexes and shot-stopping prowess had bailed United out on numerous occasions.

When David first came into the scene, he was a skinny lad from Atletico Madrid who struggled in his initial days at Manchester United. Despite a poor start to his United career, Sir Alex Ferguson backed his potential and gave him numerous opportunities to improve.

Gradually, he made himself home at the Theatre of Dreams becoming the first player ever to win three consecutive Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award at Manchester United. He also won the Premier League golden glove award last season keeping 18 clean sheets in the process. United has a fragile back line which makes De Gea's role even more significant in the upcoming fixture.

#10 RB - Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur)

Trippier has proved the doubters wrong at Spurs

Trippier is both England's and Spurs' first-choice right back. He is often seen providing width down the flanks which allow the wingers to cut inside and support the front players. He also has a beautiful free kick in his locker which often finds the top right corner of the net.

When Spurs sold Walker to Manchester City, there was speculation whether Trippier would provide the same value as Kyle did for Tottenham over the years. However, much to the delight of the fans, he has not only filled Walker shoes but added a new dimension to the side.

#9 CB - Victor Lindelof (Manchester United)

Lindelof is by far the best defender United has at the moment

The Red Devils might be struggling to find a solid defensive pairing, but one man who has stood up and cemented his place in the starting line-up is the Swedish International, Victor Lindelof.

Lindelof struggled to adjust in the Premier League last season. However, in the current campaign, he has showcased his ability and valued every penny that United paid to sign him from Benfica. The Swede sometimes struggles with aerial duels but makes up for it with his footwork and ball playing capabilities. Victor could stay at United for years to come provided he maintains his fitness and hard-working attitude.

#8 CB - Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)

United wanted Toby during the Summer Transfer window

If the summer transfer window went as planned for Manchester United, then Toby Alderweireld would have played for the Red Devils in this fixture. However, he is still a Tottenham Hotspur player whose job is to stop either Marcus Rashford or fellow countryman Romelu Lukaku up front.

Toby is another defender who likes to move up with the ball and dictate the play from the back. His partnership with Vertonghen is one of the eye-catching central defensive pairings in the League which has frustrated many top strikers.

#7 LB - Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Luke has consistently performed well this season.

After struggling to find a consistent place in the side for the past couple of seasons, Luke Shaw has been a revelation this campaign. From the matchday one, he gave his hundred percent in every game despite all the negativities that surrounded the Old Trafford.

The England full-back got praised for his fighting spirit. He is gradually showing his class at Manchester United. Solskjaer appointment has given him further license to move forward which the left-back relishes.

#6 CM - Nemanja Matic(Manchester United)

Matic gives stability in the middle of the park.

The Serbian was pivotal in United finishing second in the Premier League last season. He was one of Jose Mourinho's favorites and was signed from Chelsea in the 2017/18 campaign. Matic brings stability and calmness in the defensive midfield position which gives the backline some assurance against any opposition attack.

However, Matic got criticized for his performance under Jose in the current campaign. His sideways passing and slow movement with the ball didn't go down well with the fans. After Solskjaer got appointed as the caretaker manager, Matic looked a different player altogether playing forward passes at ease and spent most of the time in the opposition half.

#5 RM - Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Danish International is part of the Tottenham's fab-four which also includes Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Son Heung-min. Eriksen is one of the most creative players in the Spurs side who can produce defense-splitting passes and find the front three at ease.

Even when the chips are down, Eriksen could light up the mood with an inspiring goal or an assist. The fans would hope he pens down a new deal in the summer and keep serving the club like he has done all these years.

#4 LM - Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Pogba is proving his worth at Manchester United

If Jose Mourinho were still the manager of Manchester United, Paul Pogba would not have made it to the combined XI. However, things are looking bright again for the Frenchman.

Since Ole took over, Pogba has been more menacing than ever before for United. In the previous four games of the Premier League, Paul was one of the standout players for the Red Devils and even scored a couple of braces against Huddersfield and Bournemouth.

Pogba's provides the creativity from the center of the park and got the license under Solskjaer to move forward and join the attackers as well. His form and mental state would be crucial for United's top four chances this season.

#3 RW - Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Rashford is starting to show his full potential under Solskjaer.

Along with Paul Pogba, Rashford's form has improved under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Marcus has looked more confident with the ball in the last few games as a result of which he provided a beautiful assist for Pogba to score the opening goal against Bournemouth.

At such a young age, Rashford has exceeded expectations bagging the coveted No.10 jersey at United. His pace, agility, and skill is a nightmare for any defender. The English International could strike from a long-range making him a threat inside and outside the box.

#2 LW - Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)

Son is in the form of his life at the moment

Son is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. He joined late in the current campaign because of his national duties with South Korea. However, since his arrival, the winger has been nothing short of outstanding.

In sixteen games he played this season in the Premier League, the South Korean has already scored eight goals and provided five assists in the process. He often doesn't get the credit for his work-ethic and exploits, but Pochettino would surely miss Son's services once he leaves for the national duty again after the game against Manchester United.

#1 CF - Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Harry Kane is a poacher who can score goals even from half chances. The England International won the Premier League Golden Boot award in both 2015-16 and 2016-17 campaigns. He is the joint top scorer along with Aubameyang this season.

Kane has a strong left-foot and can curve in some long-range shots from outside the box. It's tough for any striker to maintain the consistency every season, but Kane is an exception.

Edited by deebak mohan