Michael Carrick has issued a warning to his Manchester United players not to underestimate Tottenham despite their struggles in the Premier League.
Manchester United go into the game fourth in the Premier League table after wins over Man City, Arsenal and Fulham.
Michael Carrick has had a perfect start since returning to Old Trafford as head coach. The aim now is to make it four consecutive wins by securing three points against Tottenham in the early kick-off on Saturday.
United will remain in fourth place, granted the Red Devils beat Tottenham, but United fans will be keeping one eye on results in the games concerning Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool.
How many wins in a row will Michael Carrick make it now?
Three wins from three… it's a perfect start!
Carrick
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Meanwhile, Tottenham sit 14th and have struggled to kick on from their Europa League final victory over United last May. Thomas Frank arrived to take charge in the summer, but he’s already under pressure to get results.
Last time out, Tottenham held Man City to a draw, so they will be trying to cause another upset this weekend.
The two sides last met in November, when Matthijs de Ligt scored an equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage time as United drew 2-2 with Tottenham in north London.
Michael Carrick clapping the fans at Old Trafford
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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What did Michael Carrick say about facing Tottenham?
Carrick held his press conference at Carrington on Thursday at 3pm.
The press conference took place a day earlier due to the fact that Carrick will be attending the Munich memorial on Friday.
United’s recent home form will give them the edge over Tottenham, particularly against a side that has struggled on their travels this season.
It also helps that United have greater stability in midfield thanks to the return of Kobbie Mainoo, who is playing alongside Casemiro with Bruno Fernandes positioned further forward.
However, Tottenham are a side capable of hurting United in transition.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the game, Carrick insisted that Tottenham will ‘bring a challenge’ to Old Trafford because they have ‘really good attackers’, which came as a warning to his defenders who have conceded four goals in the last two matches.
Carrick said: “They certainly bring a challenge. The way they finished the game the other day, they’ve had, over a period, players injured, a lot of changes to the team, which makes things more difficult.
“They’re getting players back, they have really good attackers that look to stretch the backline and play forward and attack the box an awful lot. A slightly different game to what we’ve played in recent weeks, but we’re looking forward to it.
“We are in a good place. The boys have worked well again this week. Feet on the ground, let’s not get carried away. It’s about what’s next. Big challenge ahead.”
Man Utd HAVE to turn this record around vs Spurs this time…
Are you confident Michael Carrick will get a win?
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The only way United can boost their chances of Champions League qualification is by winning football matches. Carrick knows that as a former player and now as a coach.
Michael Carrick reflects on transfers from Tottenham to Man Utd
In 2005, Carrick signed for United from Tottenham.
The former England midfielder went on to help United transition as Sir Alex Ferguson built another great side that won the Champions League.
Carrick was asked about falling in love with United following his Tottenham exit.
“It was pretty instant,” he added.
“I have really fond memories of Tottenham, I was there for what feels like a short time but really enjoyed it.
“Good team, Martin Jol was manager, a lot of things I learnt at the club in a short period. Coming here was a big jump and I felt that pretty quickly.
“Once you step inside this place as a footballer it turns you, from the first day walking into the dressing room and meeting the manager, that was me.”
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