Manchester United handed “fear factor” verdict as Rúben Amorim told to use Tottenham’s fans against them

Rúben Amorim has been told to use Tottenham’s fans against them as Manchester United take on Ange Postecoglou’s side in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon with a crucial showdown against Tottenham Hotspur in North London.

The two sides have already delivered fireworks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, with Spurs edging a pulsating 4-3 battle to knock Rúben Amorim’s men out of the Carabao Cup. Now, they meet again, both desperate for a victory to shift the momentum of their underwhelming campaigns.

It has been a frustrating season for both clubs, who find themselves in unfamiliar territory—United sit 13th, two points ahead of 14th-placed Spurs. With ambitions far greater than their current standing, the pressure is mounting as they look to turn things around.

For Amorim, this fixture represents another test in his bid to impose his philosophy and build consistency with his squad. Meanwhile, Postecoglou faces a growing backlash from Spurs fans, with questions arising over his ability to reverse their decline.

With tensions high and both sides craving a much-needed boost, Sunday’s encounter promises to be an intense and fiercely contested battle in North London.

United handed “fear factor” verdict against Spurs

With both United and Spurs in turmoil, former United defender Paul Parker has advised Amorim to make sure his side goes 1-0 up in the tie, as he feels should Tottenham fall a goal behind, their fans will start to turn on the team.

“I’m going to favour Manchester United because they’re away from home,” Parker told BetFred when asked for his prediction for the Sunday fixture.

“They’ve put in better performances away from home and the way Tottenham are at home mirrors how Manchester United are at home. There’s a fear factor there and the fans are going to turn on them if they go 1-0 down.

“Tottenham are another club that have issues off the pitch as well and they’re two teams in the wilderness at this moment in time. Both of them are fighting to finish in the top half and that’s because neither of them can find consistency.

“They can win one game, but can’t win the game after.”

United have struggled for first-half goals

Despite Parker’s wishes, United have found it hard to head a goal up on many occasions this season. 20 of the club’s last 21 goals have come in the second half.

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United have not scored a first-half goal from open play since 7 December, with the only finish in the first 45 minutes coming from Bruno Fernandes’ penalty against Brighton, with the game ending 3-1 against Amorim’s side.

For the most part, United have failed to kick into gear until they go 1-0 down, with the tie against Leicester City last weekend the perfect example of this.

Often, the players only show a sense of urgency and aggression once a game hits the 70th minute, with lapses in concentration and silly errors leading the side to digging their own grave, especially at old Trafford.

With United having lost seven of their last 11 Premier League outings, Amorim will hope his players are able to kickstart a run of good fortune against Tottenham on Sunday.

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