Carrick Eyes Fourth Straight Win as Manchester United Host Frank’s Struggling Spurs

Manchester United will look to continue their excellent run under interim boss Michael Carrick as they target a fourth consecutive victory when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off sees two sides moving in very different directions. United sit fourth in the Premier League and are surging, while Spurs languish in 14th, with ten places separating the teams.

With nine points from nine since Carrick’s return, it’s hard to argue with the impact he has made. The former midfielder remains unbeaten across both spells as interim manager in all competitions (W5, D1), and his latest run of results has come against elite opposition.

Victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, followed by a dramatic 3–2 win over Fulham sealed by a stoppage-time Benjamin Šeško goal, have propelled United firmly back into the top four.

A seven-game unbeaten league run, including four wins, has given United breathing space. They sit one point above Chelsea and two ahead of Liverpool, but Carrick may already be glancing further up the table. Just five points separate United from Aston Villa in third.

However, Spurs represent a hurdle United have struggled with recently. The Red Devils are winless in their last six league meetings with Tottenham their joint-longest run without a win against the Lilywhites. Still, victory this weekend would see United surpass last season’s total of 42 points, achieved under Ruben Amorim, with 13 games to spare.

For Thomas Frank, the picture is far less positive. Spurs have collected just 29 points and are closer to the relegation zone than the top five. A six-game winless run in the league (D4, L2) marks their longest such streak since last season.

There were signs of life last time out, though. Spurs fought back from two goals down to draw 2–2 with Manchester City, with Dominic Solanke scoring twice including an audacious scorpion kick offering a potential turning point.

Tottenham’s home form has been a major issue, with only Wolves picking up fewer points on their own turf. Interestingly, Spurs boast one of the league’s strongest away records, with only Arsenal and Aston Villa earning more road points this season something Frank will take encouragement from ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.

Head-to-Head Record

Spurs have enjoyed recent dominance in this fixture, remaining unbeaten in eight matches against United in all competitions. Their last visit to Old Trafford ended in a comprehensive 3–0 win.

Another victory would mark just the second time Tottenham have won consecutive away games at United, the previous instance coming in January 2014.

Earlier this season, the sides played out a dramatic 2–2 draw, with Mathijs de Ligt scoring a late equaliser after Richarlison had given Spurs the lead.

United’s last league win over Tottenham came back in October 2022, a 2–0 home victory sealed by goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes.

Team News

United are expected to be without Patrick Dorgu and De Ligt, while Mason Mount will be assessed after a training knock.

Carrick is unlikely to make wholesale changes, with his settled side delivering three wins from three. Šeško could push for a start after his decisive goal against Fulham, but competition is fierce in the front line.

Fernandes continues to pull the strings, leading the Premier League for big chances created (16) and assists (12). Casemiro, rejuvenated this season, has also contributed five league goals and looks revitalised despite confirming his departure in the summer.

Tottenham’s injury problems remain severe, with as many as 13 senior players doubtful. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur are all sidelined, while Pedro Porro, Lucas Bergvall, Richarlison, Ben Davies and Kevin Danso are ruled out.

There are also fitness concerns over Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence, Cristian Romero and Solanke, all of whom will be assessed. Frank will hope Solanke is fit, given his impressive record of five goals in five games against United.

Predicted Line-Ups

Manchester United:

Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes; Cunha, Diallo, Mbuemo

Tottenham Hotspur:

Vicario; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Gallagher; Simons, Odobert, Kolo Muani, Solanke