SHARE
manchester united, tottenham

 

Manchester United takes on Tottenham this afternoon at Old Trafford in what could prove to be a pivotal game in both the Red Devils and Tottenham’s quest for a top-four finish, and Champions League football next season.


The 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup has put extra pressure on Louis van Gaal to get Manchester United back in the Champions League calling it his number one priority after having taken over the club last summer, while the fans are starting to get restless over the possession based game he is trying to instil on his players.


Argentinian winger Angle Di Maria will be unavailable for selection following his sending off against Arsenal with youngster Adnan Januzaj expected to be named in the starting line-up.


Jonny Evans is also suspended for the spitting incident at Newcastle, and van Gaal still has injury concerns over Robin van Persie, Ashley Young and Luke Shaw.


The big question is whether or not the Dutchman starts Falcao or continues to go with Marouane Fellaini playing in behind.

                            manchester united, tottenham

Goalkeeper

No question here as to who will start in nets for United with David De Gea once more proving why he is United’s best player putting in a performance on Monday night that despite the loss could have Real Madrid reaching for their Cheque book.


Defence

Chris Smalling will replace the banned Evans and partner Marcos Rojo, and with Luke Shaw a doubt Daley Blind could play at left-back in order to accommodate the returning Michael Carrick in midfield.

And while Antonio Valencia might be one of van Gaal’s favourites he was at fault for both Arsenal’s goals, which means Rafael may get the nod over the Ecuadorian.

Midfield

With Di Maria not available till the trip to Anfield nest week it looks as though 20-year-old Adnan Januzaj will be in the team following some impressive play after having come on as a substitute the last few weeks.


The return of Michael Carrick should add some sense of control in the midfield for United that could provide a return for Juan Mata, yet for some reason the Dutchman LVG seems to want to stick with Fellaini given his height and defensive abilities.


Attack

With van Persie out it will be up to Captain Wayne Rooney to spearhead the attack as the high-priced Colombian sits on the bench following his outing with the U-21’s earlier in the week.

 

LEAVE A REPLY