Manchester United‘s journey to North London carries the weight of mounting pressure, as Ruben Amorim’s side seek to reignite their Premier League campaign against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The Red Devils’ recent form mirrors their season’s narrative – a tale of unconvincing victories and missed opportunities. Their FA Cup progression against Leicester City last week, secured through Harry Maguire’s contentious stoppage-time goal in the absence of VAR, epitomised their current state: achieving results without commanding performances.
The Premier League table tells its own story, with United precariously positioned in 13th place, just two points ahead of Sunday’s hosts. Victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would provide crucial breathing space, extending the gap to five points and potentially marking a turning point in United’s stuttering campaign.
Manchester United Team News
After recently returning to training, Luke Shaw suffered a small setback in his recovery before the Leicester City game. He is unlikely to be fit for the trip to Spurs, along with compatriot Mason Mount, who has been out since mid-December.
Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton missed the Leicester game with unspecified problem and their return date remain unclear, while veteran defender Jonny Evans has also been missing of late with a calf injury.
An iconic #PL moment 😅
Relive our 2007 trip to White Hart Lane, when Sheasy took the gloves 👀🧤#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 15, 2025
Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez’s season is over after he suffered an ACL injury in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. The same could be said of Amad Diallo after he suffered ankle ligament damage in training.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Tottenham (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana continues as United’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Cameroonian’s shot-stopping abilities will be crucial against Tottenham’s fluid attack.
Defence
Manager Ruben Amorim looks set to adjust his defensive setup from the Leicester City fixture. Matthijs de Ligt, rested for the FA Cup tie, should return to the Manchester United lineup, replacing Noussair Mazraoui in the back three. The Dutchman is expected to partner Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire in central defence.
Midfield
January acquisition Patrick Dorgu’s brief FA Cup debut, curtailed at halftime, suggests Amorim will opt for experience against Spurs. Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui offer defensive stability in the wing-back positions, while captain Bruno Fernandes drops alongside Manuel Ugarte in central midfield to combat Tottenham’s high-pressing approach.
Attack
With Amad Diallo sidelined through injury, Joshua Zirkzee steps into the advanced attacking midfielder role in the Manchester United lineup. His technical prowess and spatial awareness could prove vital in breaking Tottenham’s defensive lines. Kobbie Mainoo continues his impressive breakthrough season as the second attacking midfielder.
Rasmus Hojlund leads the line, with the Danish striker seeking to add to his Premier League tally. Alejandro Garnacho provides pace from the bench, with veterans Casemiro and Christian Eriksen available to influence the latter stages.
