Manchester United host struggling Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
Chris Sutton is not buying into the idea that Tottenham have turned a corner just yet, predicting an unfavourable outcome for Spurs when they face Manchester United, despite some genuine signs of life in recent outings.
Writing ahead of the clash, Sutton acknowledged that Tottenham finally showed some fight in their comeback draw against Manchester City, a performance that briefly quietened the noise around Thomas Frank. Central to that resurgence was Dominic Solanke (scored two against Pep Guardiola’s side). His return from a long injury layoff has coincided with Spurs looking more like a functioning attacking side.
Sutton has been consistent in his praise of the striker and again highlighted Solanke’s importance to Tottenham’s overall balance. When Solanke leads the line, Spurs press better, hold the ball higher up the pitch, and actually look capable of sustaining attacks rather than relying on isolated moments. Sutton even expects the 28-year-old to get on the scoresheet again, underlining just how pivotal he has become to Spurs’ hopes of stringing results together.
Another loss for Tottenham?
Here is what Sutton had to say via BBC, handing out a 2-1 win prediction for Man United:
“Tottenham, meanwhile, produced a great comeback against Manchester City. I’ve talked about how much I rate Dominic Solanke and when he is up for Spurs, they are in a much better place as a team.”
“There is a danger of getting carried away with United under Michael Carrick, and I am expecting Solanke to score again here, but it still feels like United will find a way to win it.”
However, that optimism only goes so far. Sutton also sounded a note of caution around the growing hype surrounding United under Michael Carrick. He still feels there is enough about United right now for them to edge this one.
Even so, Sutton does not see this as a comfortable afternoon for United. He expects Solanke to continue his scoring run and back himself to get on the scoresheet again, underlining just how important the striker has become to Tottenham’s hopes in big games. Spurs, in his view, will ask serious questions and make it uncomfortable.
Ultimately though, Sutton’s instinct is that United will “find a way”. Whether through individual quality, game management, or simply Spurs’ continued habit of falling short at key moments, he sees Tottenham coming away empty-handed despite another competitive performance.
Even with Solanke firing and confidence creeping back, the sense remains that Tottenham are one setback away from unravelling again. Defensive lapses, particularly in midfield protection and transition, continue to haunt them, and United’s ability to find late goals and ride pressure could prove decisive.
Sutton’s call is ultimately a familiar one for Spurs supporters. Progress, promise, and individual quality are there, but not quite enough to overcome structural issues and fragility.