Joao Palhinha is determined to make amends vs Manchester United after Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal performance against Chelsea
Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha is thriving under Thomas Frank this season. The Portuguese international has played a key role in helping the Lilywhites climb into the top half of the Premier League table, contributing a few important goals along the way. To the surprise of many, the 30-year-old has also made a strong impact in the final third, scoring four goals across all competitions so far.
There were questions raised when Spurs decided to sign Palhinha on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich in the summer. The midfielder never fully settled in Germany and slipped down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany. Limited playing time led him to return to the Premier League just one year after his move abroad.
Joao Palhinha is determined to make amends vs Manchester United after Tottenham Hotspur's dismal performance against Chelsea.
Joao Palhinha wants to help Tottenham clinch all three points against Manchester United.
It is fair to say that the 30-year-old has been one of the standout performers for Tottenham this season. Along with his contributions in attack, Palhinha has made 44 tackles in the Premier League in the first ten matches, at least 12 more than any other player in that period. His presence has been vital in breaking up opposition play and providing stability in midfield for the North London club.
Joao Palhinha aiming to help Tottenham win against ‘familiar faces’ at Man United
Before moving to England in 2022, Joao Palhinha played a crucial role in helping Sporting CP win the Liga Portugal title. He was a key figure in Ruben Amorim’s side and one of the most trusted players in the squad. Now, Palhinha and Amorim will be on opposite sides in the Premier League as Spurs host Manchester United at N17 this weekend, setting up what the midfielder describes as a ‘special reunion.’
When asked about facing his former manager as the Lilywhites host the Red Devils, Palhinha told DAZN Portugal (via Sport Witness),
“It will be a very special game. I shared great moments with Mister Ruben and also with all the staff who are with him. I made good friends there. Playing against Bruno [Fernandes] again and other familiar faces will also be nice.”
The midfielder added,
“But honestly, I’m going there to win. I and all my teammates really, really want to win next week. That frustration has to give us more fuel to react. We need that fuel.”
Palhinha believes he shared many memorable experiences with Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP, but made it clear that he is fully focused on helping Spurs get the better of Manchester United this weekend. The disappointment from the defeat against Chelsea last week, he says, will serve as motivation to perform at a higher level.
Spurs beat Manchester United four times in all competitions last season. However, defeating them this time will not be straightforward, as United are in excellent form. Unbeaten in their last four league matches, they will be confident of securing a result at N17, especially given how challenging it has been for Tottenham to make full use of their home advantage recently.
There is no doubt that Palhinha will be central to Spurs’ hopes of achieving a positive result. A victory against Amorim’s team would lift Tottenham to second place in the league and further strengthen their chances of securing European football next season.