The Manchester United Lineup That Should Start Against Tottenham

Man Utd host Tottenham on Sunday
Man Utd host Tottenham on Sunday / Pool/Getty Images
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Manchester United are yet to really get going in the Premier League this season. Sure, they picked up their first league win of the campaign against Brighton last time out, but they won't always be able to rely on an after the final whistle winner from the penalty spot to pick up three points, will they?

But what better way to kick into gear and show the rest of the league that they really mean business than with a win over former boss Jose Mourinho?

Yep, United welcome the 'Special One' back to Old Trafford once again on Sunday, with his Spurs side looking to pick up their second win of the campaign.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men should come into the contest not only in good spirits after their midweek win over Brighton (a slightly less dramatic one than the previous encounter) in the Carabao Cup, but also feeling well rested. The same cannot be said about Spurs, as Sunday's clash will be their seventh (seventh!) match in just over two weeks.

Here, we take a look at the lineup Solskjaer should pick for the tussle with Spurs.


1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Maguire will be hoping his side can pick up their first clean sheet in the league in 2019/20
Maguire will be hoping his side can pick up their first clean sheet in the league in 2019/20 / Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

David de Gea (GK) - Although Dean Henderson put in another confident display in the Carabao Cup last time out, De Gea is expected to keep his place. Having already conceded five goals in just two games, however, he will be desperate for a clean sheet.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - Was rested for the midweek cup tie with Brighton, so should be feeling refreshed for Sunday's game. With Sergio Reguilon likely to push forward to support the Spurs attack as well, Wan-Bissaka will need to be at his best.

Eric Bailly (CB) - Bailly could be the ideal partner for Harry Maguire and having managed another 90 minutes in midweek, Solskjaer could hand Bailly his first Premier League start of the season. His pace and no-nonsense style of defending, as well as his ability to play out from the back, compliments Maguire's game nicely. A chance to stake a claim.

Harry Maguire (CB) - A certain starter. Maguire was not even included in the squad in midweek, but the captain will return on Sunday. He will need to lead his defence with authority against a lethal Harry Kane, while also guarding against the threat from the wings.

Luke Shaw (LB) - While Man Utd continue to ponder whether they are willing to pay the necessary amount to sign a new left-back, Shaw remains the undoubted first-choice. As well as helping keep the Spurs forwards quiet, the Englishman will also be looking to get forward and provide the width down the left.


2. Midfielders

Bruno was vital to United's win against Brighton even though he wasn't at his best
Bruno was vital to United's win against Brighton even though he wasn't at his best / Pool/Getty Images

Nemanja Matic (CDM) - Donny van de Beek is deserving of a starting spot, but he will miss out again against Spurs as Ole looks for more solidity in midfield. Matic may not contribute goals and assists, but he provides the platform for those ahead of him to shine. An under-appreciated player.

Paul Pogba (CM) - Yes, it took a deflection, but Pogba's goal against Brighton in midweek will have done him the world of good. It's been a tough start to the season for the World Cup winner as he looks to work his way up to full match sharpness, but Pogba will be hoping to help United dominate the midfield battle on Sunday.

Bruno Fernandes (CM) - Portuguese magnifico? Or is it Penandes? Sure, he wasn't great against Brighton in the league, but he still had a hand in all three goals - that's how influential he is. Capable of splitting a defence open with a stunning pass as well as grabbing a goal himself (yes, from open play as well), Bruno is a big game player.


3. Forwards

Greenwood will be looking to exploit the space at the back against Spurs
Greenwood will be looking to exploit the space at the back against Spurs / Pool/Getty Images

Mason Greenwood (RW) - As soon as Greenwood gets the ball, there's a sense of urgency and desire to attack the opponent's goal. Capable of going both ways, the youngster can either drive down the line with pace and power, or he can come in field and link up with his teammates. He'll be looking to open his Premier League goalscoring account for the season - and you can expect him to capitalise on any space left by Reguilon when he goes forward.

Marcus Rashford (LW) - For a player who has been told by some to 'focus on his football', Rashford hasn't made a bad start to the season. In fact, he's got two goals already and will be looking to add to that tally here.

Anthony Martial (ST) - What a transformation. Martial has taken his game to new heights, not only holding the ball up expertly and linking play, but also pressing when out of possession. Oh, and he's still ice cold in front of goal, despite failing to get off the mark for this campaign.


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