Tottenham v Man United: Predicted Red Devils line up for huge clash

Manchester United will be hoping to make it two wins from two Premier League matches when they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. 

The Red Devils earned a rather fortunate 1-0 win over Wolves in their league opener on Monday, with Raphael Varane’s goal enough to give Erik ten Hag’s side three points.

The Dutchman will have been frustrated with his side’s performance, though, and could therefore look to make changes to his side for the trip to North London.

Here, we predict the XI that Ten Hag will select to face the Lilywhites.

Goalkeeper

Andre Onana was largely impressive during his United debut against Wolves on Monday, making a number of important saves as the visitors enjoyed the better of the chances. The Cameroonian was rather fortunate not to give away a penalty late on after clattering into Sasa Kalajdzic, but he will undoubtedly keep his place for the trip to Tottenham.

Defenders

Ten Hag opted for a back four on Monday and will likely select the same formation for their next match. Aaron Wan-Bissaka started at right-back and looks set to continue after providing the assist for Varane’s winner.

In the centre of defence, Varane will likely be partnered by Lisandro Martinez, despite the Argentine being substituted at half-time on Monday after picking up an early booking.

Martinez was substituted at half-time against Wolves after being booked early on

The pair were Ten Hag’s first choice central defenders last season and look set to be so for the current campaign; Victor Lindelof, who replaced Martinez, will likely be on the bench alongside Harry Maguire.

On the left of United’s backline, Luke Shaw looks set to retain his place ahead of the injured Tyrell Malacia.

Midfielders

United’s midfield were carved open on numerous occasions against Wolves on Monday, and Ten Hag could therefore look to address that issue against Spurs.

With that in mind, Scott McTominay could be recalled to the starting line up despite being heavily linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks. The Scot has been a regular for United in recent seasons but has been linked with a departure, however Monday night’s performance highlighted the need for midfield reinforcements.

McTominay could return to the United starting XI for the trip to Tottenham

Casemiro, who has been one of United’s most impressive performers since joining the club from Real Madrid last summer, is also in line for another start. The Brazilian was overrun in midfield when starting alongside a more attacking duo on Monday, but he could be back to his best if partnered with McTominay on Saturday.

Recently-appointed club captain Bruno Fernandes is likely to start whenever available this season, and the Portuguese will therefore be involved from the start on Saturday. The former Sporting CP man was unable to impact Monday’s match considerably, but will be hoping for an improved performance next time out.

Forwards

New signing Mason Mount started in midfield on Monday, making his competitive debut for United, but could be moved out wide to allow for a more steely central midfielder to be included. The England international, who joined United from Chelsea last month, will likely replace Alejandro Garnacho who struggled against Wolves.

Mount struggled to make an impact on his Manchester United debut

Marcus Rashford was another star who struggled to make an impact on Monday, but the Englishman will start on Saturday and be hoping to open his account for the season after his 30-goal effort last term. He may operate centrally rather than in his more natural role on the left.

On the right of United’s attack, Brazilian Antony is most likely to start ahead of the likes of Jadon Sancho. The former Ajax man endured a rather uninspiring debut season in England and will be hoping to improve this term, starting against Spurs on Saturday.

Anthony Martial has been injured during much of pre-season but was named on the bench on Monday and could therefore be involved against Tottenham.

Predicted XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, McTominay, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Mount.