Chris Sutton has warned Manchester United of one Tottenham star as Thomas Frank’s men journey to Old Trafford in the Premier League this weekend.
Michael Carrick will be keen for Manchester United’s excellent run to continue as Tottenham Hotspur travel to Old Trafford this Saturday.
Since moving into the manager’s seat, the former United midfielder has overseen eye-catching wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes all finding top gear again.
United are chasing a Champions League berth and currently hold fourth place in the standings, so Spurs’ visit represents another prime chance to collect three points and keep their attacking edge sharp.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are enduring a difficult spell. A 2-2 draw with City last weekend did little to change their fortunes, leaving them 14th in the Premier League. In the earlier meeting between the sides in North London, Matthijs de Ligt struck late to secure a 2-2 draw for United.
Sutton warns United of Solanke threat
As always, former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has issued his predictions for this weekend’s Premier League ties, and ahead of United’s fixture against Spurs, he has warned Carrick about Thomas Frank’s frontman, Dominic Solanke, following his brace against City last week.
“Manchester United were slightly fortunate to beat Fulham last time out,” Sutton told BBC Sport. “A draw would have been about right.
“Still, it was big for Benjamin Šeško to get their winner and I have got to say he put it away very nicely, especially because he should have scored with a header earlier in the game.
“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.”
Sutton signed off by predicting a 2-1 win for United, while the guest predictor, Gladiators star Apollo, real name Alex Gray, said he felt the game would be a 1-0 win for Spurs because of Tottenham’s affinity for the NFL. Meanwhile, the BBC’s AI predicted a 2-2 draw.
United must remain composed under pressure
Tottenham are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with United in all competitions, having won five and drawn three in that time. However, as for their current form, United have not lost in seven, while Tottenham are winless in their last six.
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On Saturday, United will be the clear favourites, but this must not be taken for granted. Too often in recent seasons, United have won when touted as underdogs, but have faltered into draws and losses once they are taken as a genuine force.
Keeping calm and composed while the onus to win is on United’s squad will be a message that Carrick will have been beating into his squad all week, and with the boss not expected to make any changes to his winning starting XI from last weekend, they have all the tools they need to secure three points.
In a weekend where Liverpool face Manchester City, it’s guaranteed that at least one of the teams vying for Champions League places alongside United will drop points. Carrick’s men must make sure they remain professional and calm as they try to secure three points this weekend.
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