Manchester United held a live-streamed training session as Michael Carrick prepares his squad to face Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Carrick will be eager for Manchester United’s strong run of form to carry on when Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Since the former United midfielder moved into the dugout, his side have claimed eye-catching victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes all returning to top form.
United are battling for a Champions League place and currently sit fourth in the table, so Spurs’ trip to Manchester presents another valuable opportunity to pick up three points and keep their attacking momentum going.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have issues of their own. Even after a 2-2 draw with City last weekend, they remain down in 14th in the Premier League. When the teams met earlier this season in North London, Matthijs de Ligt grabbed a late equaliser to earn United a 2-2 draw.
On Wednesday morning, Manchester United live-streamed one of their training sessions ahead of the tie against Tottenham, offering hints about the Old Trafford fixture.
#1 – Signifiacnt Gabriel addition noted
Earlier this week, news broke that 15-year-old JJ Gabriel had been involved in first-team training once again as he continues his brilliant rise through United’s Academy.
During the Wednesday morning live-stream, it was noted that the young English star was involved with Carrick’s group once again, with journalist Steven Railston making the point that his inclusion this time round may be even more significant than his remaining involvement even with most of the first-team back.
Jack Moorhouse, who has recently returned from a loan move at Layton Orient, was also spotted amid the possiblity that he may be added to the first-team squad to help cover midfield depth.
#2 – De Ligt and Mount still unavailable
On the negative side, it was quickly noted that neither Mason Mount nor De Ligt were spotted in the session, with these being the two players who missed the win over Fulham last weekend.
Carrick confirmed on the weekend that Mount had suffered a minor knock in training before the clash last week, and although he said the English midfielder should be back, he was not spotted with the group as the side prepared.
De Ligt is still not expected back for at least a few more weeks as he continues to recover from a back problem suffered at the end of November.
#3 – On the ball work continues
A big change in United’s play over the last few weeks, since Carrick’s arrival, has been the extent of United’s build-up through quick touches and the ball remaining on the floor.
Again, on Wednesday morning, the very first drill the United players were put through involved a lot of ball on the floor, with quick one- and two-touch passes going around cones and pillars as Carrick continued his good work.
United’s players seemed to be grouped in small sections around the pitch with the players they play close to, such as Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, and Leny Yoro, combining well.
United will want to try to both dominate and decimate Tottenham on Saturday afternoon, and it seems as if preparations for the game are going smoothly ahead of the Premier League clash.
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