Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has paid tribute to Michael Carrick for his great start at Manchester United but insisted comparisons between the two clubs are unfair.
Frank reveals Man Utd advantage over Spurs
Fourth-placed United have been revitalised since former Spurs midfielder Carrick took over last month and claimed maximum points from his three matches in charge, including a 3-2 win at Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Spurs make the trip to Old Trafford in 14th and have so far failed to build on last May’s victory over Man United in the Europa League final. Whilst Frank’s injury-ravaged team are unbeaten in four games, they have won only two of their last 15 league fixtures and are 12 points behind the Red Devils.
“It is maybe a nice little context to say that Man United don’t play European football,” Frank pointed out.
“I think we can all acknowledge there is a little bit (extra). It is an extra challenge, (but) something we embrace and we are happy with.
“I think let’s judge us when we are on the same challenges. The ambition is that we want to do very well and carry on with the good performances and beat Man United.
“I think (Carrick) has had a great start. It seems like there was injected a little bit of energy into the team. I think it looks like some of the players are in a good place.
“We know the threats they pose before from Bryan (Mbeumo) Amad, (Matheus) Cunha and Bruno Fernandes is getting this team ticking. He has done that the last, I don’t know, four or five years. It has been incredible.
“It is a threat, it is a challenge, but we are looking forward to it.”
Spurs are set to be boosted by the availability of Micky van de Ven after a minor issue but all eyes will be on whether Cristian Romero is selected after a latest social media outburst this week.
chris-waddle Related
[Exclusive: Waddle says Spurs star "never really wanted to be at Tottenham"](https://www.footballfancast.com/chris-waddle-cristian-romero-never-really-wanted-to-be-at-tottenham/ "Exclusive: Waddle says Spurs star "never really wanted to be at Tottenham"")
The Tottenham legend has delivered his verdict.
Chris Waddle: Romero "never really wanted to be at Tottenham"
Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Tottenham legend Chris Waddle delivered his verdict after Romero said it was "disgraceful" how few senior players were available for their draw against Manchester City.
Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur looks on
"He likes to say what he thinks about Tottenham at times, but as a captain, you’ve got to be a bit of a diplomat. Captains in the past have tried to play it down a bit and say we’re trying to get there.
"The manager always gets the blame, but there’s not really one player who can really hold his head up high and say ‘well I’ve been playing well’. They’ve all been inconsistent.
"They’re not gonna win the league this year, I’m sure they’re gonna finish a lot higher than where they are at the minute. They’ve got a massive squad when you look at it on paper. Whether it’s good enough is a different reason. In my eyes, it’s not good enough.
"Cristian Romero has always been outspoken. It’s looked to me like he’s never really wanted to be at Tottenham. I was very surprised he signed a four-year contract and they made him captain. I think he thinks he’s better than what he is at times, but that’s the way he is."
Where does Romero rank in Tottenham's top earners? Gross pay per week
Xavi Simons £195,000
Cristian Romero £195,000
James Maddison £170,000
Mohammed Kudus £150,000
Randal Kolo Muani £150,000
Dominic Solanke £140,000
Joao Palhinha £135,000
Dejan Kulusevski £110,000
Richarlison £90,000
Micky van de Ven £90,000
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