Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd slumped to another disappointing result in mid-week when FC Twente came from behind to snatch a point during the Red Devils’ Europa League opener.
It means United have won just three of their opening seven matches across competitions this term – a run of form that will likely have to change if Ten Hag wishes to stay in charge of the 20-time English champions.
Things don’t get any easier for the Dutch manager, given Sunday’s clash against Tottenham is the first match in a mammoth run of fixtures.
Following this weekend, United travel to Porto in the Europa League, before heading to Aston Villa next Sunday, with matches against Brentford, Fenerbahce and Chelsea to come after that.
First, though, it’s all eyes on Spurs, with Express Sport predicting what XI Ten Hag might go for this weekend.
Man Utd predicted XI vs Spurs (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Onana
The only constant for United this season and for good reason too.
Andre Onana proved his worth once again last weekend when he pulled off a stellar double save to deny Crystal Palace from snatching a late winner.
Given Spurs have scored in all but one of their Premier League outings this season, he’ll have to be on top form once again.
Defence: Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot
While there were frustrations with the attack during the Palace draw, bar the odd blip, United’s defence put on a solid showing in south London.
Ten Hag appears to have found a settled backline, with Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez forming a solid partnership at the heart of the defence.
In the continued absence of a left-footed left-back, Diogo Dalot will operate from that flank, while new fan favourite Noussair Mazraoui should get the nod on the opposite side.
Midfield: Ugarte, Mainoo
Rarely has a player gone from hero to villain as quickly as Christian Eriksen against FC Twente, with the midfielder opening the scoring during the first half, before clumsily giving the ball away for the equaliser in the second.
Despite his costly error, Eriksen blasted Man Utd’s performance in the 1-1 draw, claiming the opposition ‘wanted it more’.
He’ll likely make way for Kobbie Mainoo in the XI this weekend, with new boy Manuel Ugarte operating from the base of midfield.
Attack: Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho
As demonstrated at Selhurst Park last weekend, goals have been an issue for the three-time European champions.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was blasted for his performance last Saturday, with the Portuguese international still searching for his first Premier League goal of the season.
He’ll look to support wide-men Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho, who have looked the most dangerous players for United so far.
Striker: Rashford
As for the centre-forward position, Joshua Zirkzee’s efforts can’t be knocked, but his finishing can be, meaning Ten Hag might turn to Marcus Rashford to lead the line this time around.
It means Rasmus Hojlund will have to wait another week longer for his first start of the season.
Man United predicted XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
