3 reasons Manchester United will beat Tottenham on Sunday

They need to win

Even at this reasonably early stage of the season, this is a must-win game for United.

Mourinho’s men are already seven points adrift of Spurs in fifth, who are a further three behind Manchester City in fourth – United cannot afford to drop more points and lose ground.

The title challenge is over, but now they must turn their attentions to making sure they are in the race for a top four finish come May.

A ten point gap to Spurs, and likely more to City and Liverpool, could be too much to make up even with 23 games to go after Sunday’s fixture.