Michael Carrick welcomes his former club Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford today with pressure mounting on the Man United boss
Manchester United are in desperate need of a win when they host Tottenham in the Premier League
Manchester United are in desperate need of a win when they host Tottenham in the Premier League(Image: Pick the Team/Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick fell short of calling this game a 'must-win fixture', but it is clear Manchester United have to pick up three points against bottom-place Tottenham Hotspur. Roberto De Zerbi's side are winless in the Premier League and should be the perfect opponent for the Reds to build some momentum.
Unfortunately for Carrick, he is without Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui. That makes his selections in defence more straightforward. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are the United boss' preferred centre-back partnership. This should remain the case this evening, albeit Leny Yoro will be knocking on the door after his performance for France during the international break.
In midfield, both Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are guaranteed starters. Mainoo had to withdraw from the England squad but Carrick confirmed he has been training, so he should be available to start. If he does, then the only question is who will start alongside him.
Neither Youri Tielemans nor Andrey Santos have made that position their own, and Carlos Baleba could benefit. He has yet to make his debut since signing from Brighton and Carrick appeared confident that he is back to full fitness.
Once again, United will be without Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian centre-forward missed the trip to Fulham before the international break and then had to withdraw from national team duty due to a shin injury.
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His absence means Carrick will have to weigh up his options. Amad has been training after missing every match so far this season. However, having been out since August, Carrick may decide it is a risk to start him.
Instead, it seems likely that Bryan Mbeumo will continue on the right and Matheus Cunha could play the false nine role. Marcus Rashford should complete the attack on the left flank.
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United predicted XI vs Spurs: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Baleba, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha
Manchester United's predicted XI to face Tottenham
Manchester United's predicted XI to face Tottenham
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Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, dejected after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, dejected after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium