Manchester United travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday in a Premier League showdown that could define the top-half standings. Both teams are level on points, just outside the top three, making this clash crucial for momentum.
This fixture carries added significance, as United have failed to beat Spurs in their last seven meetings, including four consecutive defeats. The teams last faced off in last season’s Europa League final, with Tottenham winning 1-0 through Brennan Johnson’s decisive strike.
Tottenham will be buoyed by their recent performances. After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Chelsea, Spurs bounced back emphatically with a 4-0 Champions League win over Copenhagen. The highlight was Micky van de Ven’s stunning solo goal, which saw the defender run the full length of the pitch to score, drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi. Joao Palhinha added a late goal to seal a commanding victory. Manager Thomas Frank expressed optimism, noting the team has taken a “step forward” in both style and structure.
Despite this, Spurs’ home form remains fragile. They have suffered nine Premier League home defeats in 2025, the most of any team, and a loss against United would mark double-digit home defeats for the first time since 2003. Tottenham’s injury list is extensive, with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma, and several others unavailable. Mohammed Kudus is “touch and go,” while Brennan Johnson could start on the wing alongside Xavi Simons or Wilson Odobert. Richarlison is competing with Randal Kolo Muani for the striker role.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last four league matches, with three wins and a draw, sitting eighth on goal difference. Lisandro Martinez remains out with a knee injury, and Harry Maguire is available for selection after returning to training. Manager Ruben Amorim faces a defensive selection dilemma, deciding whether to reinstate Maguire or continue with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons
Manchester United: Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko
Where to Watch: The match kicks off at 3:30 PM and will be broadcast live on SuperSport TV.
