Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United — Combined XI | Premier League 2020/21

Midfield pivot: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Paul Pogba

Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for Tottenham Hotspur, and rightly so. The Dane has established himself as one of Mourinho's on-field generals this season and he's fought tirelessly to protect Spurs' defence. Hojbjerg has excelled at recycling possession and keeping the game ticking in midfield, and his combative approach has endeared him to the Spurs faithful and Mourinho.

The 25-year-old is the most impressive of all holding midfielders across both sides, including Fred and Nemanja Matic. He will be partnered by the Premier League's record signing, Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman's selection is a relatively debatable one as he's appeared seven times fewer than his Spurs counterpart Tanguy Ndombele this season. However, Pogba's impact and the quality he's displayed give him the nod over the former Olympique Lyon star.

67% - Paul Pogba has the best touch for a big man - players over 6 foot tall - In the Premier League this season. Control. pic.twitter.com/7ct4hQiiSZ

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 1, 2021

Pogba has played a decisive role in several games for Manchester United this season. His ability to control the game from deeper areas, exquisite close control, and knack for splitting defences open have been on display this season as he's helped his side's push for second place.

Pogba has also scored some crucial goals for the Red Devils, including a late winner against Burnley and two stunning comeback goals against West Ham United and Fulham. Pogba has shown what he's capable of from a deeper role and takes the second spot in the pivot over Ndombele, Scott McTominay, and others.

Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes

Granada CF v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final: Leg One

One of the easiest choices all across the pitch is that of Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfield position. The Portuguese superstar has been one of the best players in the Premier League since his arrival at Old Trafford in January last year and has single-handedly transformed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

Fernandes' high-risk, high-reward style of play has suited the Red Devils perfectly all and he has grown into one of the best chance creators in all of Europe. Whether it's a short pass or a raking over-the-top ball to unlock a stubborn defence, the former Sporting Lisbon skipper has it all in his locker and has become United's most important player bar none. His record from the spot is impeccable as he's converted 19 of the 20 he's attempted so far.

4 - Bruno Fernandes has become the first player in Premier League history to win the Player of the Month award on four occasions in the same calendar year, surpassing that of Harry Kane (2017) and Ashley Young (2008) who did so on three occasions. Storm. pic.twitter.com/xyJ0ecLTzX

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 15, 2021

At the time of writing, the 26-year-old is the second-highest goalscorer (16 goals) and assist provider (11 assists) in the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, a phenomenal achievement for an advanced midfielder. He is the obvious choice for the attacking midfield position over the likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Donny van de Beek, Ndombele, and others who have appeared in the number ten slot for Spurs and United.

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