Manchester United XI vs Tottenham: New partnership formed as two changes expected

Erik ten Hag is expected to introduce a new partnership as Manchester United prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against FC Twente in the Europa League, Manchester United are looking to bounce back as they host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in their next Premier League match.

Erik ten Hag‘s side has struggled to find form this season, managing only two wins from their first five games and scoring a mere five goals.

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Tottenham, on the other hand, have faced similar difficulties, with two wins from their opening five matches. Both teams sit on seven points, but Tottenham edges ahead due to a better goal difference.

André Onana, who has played every Premier League fixture since signing for the club in 2023, will start in goal, with Noussair Marazoui and Diogo Dalot starting as right-back and left-back, respectively.

In defence, one change is expected: Matthijs de Ligt will replace Harry Maguire and once again partner with Lisandro Martínez ahead of Onana.

De Ligt has recently been praised by former United defender Paul Parker after overcoming harsh criticism from Paul Scholes in August.

in midfield, Ten Hag is expected to introduce a new partnership to Old Trafford, with Manuel Ugarte lining up alongside Kobbie Mainoo for the first time since he signed for the club.

Ugarte is expected to be Casemiro’s long-term replacement in midfield. Mainoo would replace Eriksen in the XI as Ugarte started against Twente, but the Danish and Uruguayan midfielders are tossing up who should start.

Eriksen has started the last four games and played well, but considering the opposition’s nature and the Danish international’s age, it would be wise to give him some rest and allow Mainoo and Ugarte to play together for the first time.

Ahead of them, despite calls for him to be dropped, club captain Bruno Fernandes will start against Tottenham. The Portuguese international has a good record against Spurs, scoring three times and assisting twice in eight appearances.

No changes are expected from the trio that started against Twente in attack. Marcus Rashfored looked in red-hot form against the Dutch side and is expected to continue on the left wing.

Amad Diallo has been United’s best player this campaign and will likely continue on the right-hand side, while Joshua Zirkzee will play up front.

There is a slight chance that Rasmus Højlund may replace the Netherlands international as the striker after he returned from injury last weekend. Still, having only played a handful of minutes, this is unlikely.

Man United expected XI

Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martínez, Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Fernandes, Amad, Zirkzee, Rashford.

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