Man United lineup vs. Tottenham: Predicted XI for Premier League clash

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag should be working with an identical group of players for Sunday’s Premier League blockbuster against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were without Leny Yoro (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Victor Lindelof (toe) and Luke Shaw (calf) for the 1-1 draw with FC Twente in the Europa League in midweek, and Ten Hag expects the quartet to sit this one out too.

Following another lackadaisical performance in midweek, Ten Hag will no doubt ring the changes, and the hosting manager faces a particularly tricky dilemma in the final third, where Joshua Zirkzee should continue up front over Rasmus Hojlund.

All of Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho are fighting for two wide spots, and the latter could very well demote the former to the bench for the visit of Spurs, where Bruno Fernandes will finally endeavour to get off the mark for the new campaign.

However, Christian Eriksen certainly made his mark in midweek with a thunderbolt of an opener, and the Dane has likely done enough to reprise his role alongside Kobbie Mainoo, expected to replace Manuel Ugarte.

One change should be afoot in the backline as well, as Harry Maguire was drafted back into the rearguard in midweek, but Matthijs de Ligt will surely return for Premier League duties.

It is otherwise as you were at the back for Man United, as Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez protect number one Andre Onana.

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Eriksen, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee

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Chido Obi-Martin to Manchester United completed, wonderkid pictured with Eric Cantona

Manchester United’s long wait for Premier League ratification over Chido Obi-Martin has now come to a successful conclusion.

Ineos‘ mission to strengthen the Manchester United academy has been largely successful so far and now the crown jewel of the recruitment drive has been completed.

Samuel Lusale has already joined the club from Crystal Palace, while James Overy was also confirmed to have joined the club.

These deals followed Sekou Kone who arrived on deadline day from FC Guidars, and now Chido Obi-Martin is set to finally join United.

Despite agreeing to the move in the summer, the Premier League ratification process has been long and drawn out, yet now it is all completed.

On Friday, the wait for the Premier League ratification process came to an end with SCOOP on X reporting that the deal was now completed.

United received official communication from the Premier League that ratification over the transfer of Obi-Martin had been completed – meaning he is now considered a United player as we await the announcement.

It is added that contracts will soon to fully signed off but a debut is not expected to be imminent considering how he has missed so much time while this deal was being completed.

Therefore Obi-Martin will be given an appropriate amount of time to reach full fitness levels and also to acclimatise – although Obi-Martin has been in action for Denmark.

Exclusive: Manchester United have received formal communication from the Premier League that their prolonged ratification process for the transfer of former Arsenal starlet Chido Obi-Martin has reached completion. pic.twitter.com/FgoDjCqT1W

Obi-Martin instantly becomes one of the highest-regarded players in the United academy and we cannot wait to see him start putting the goals away.

Chido Obi-Martin meets Eric Cantona

As this news broke, Obi-Martin seemingly confirmed the transfer in his own way on his Instagram story.

Posting on Friday morning, Obi-Martin shared an image of himself with legendary United forward Eric Cantona.

The former United number seven was shaking hands with Obi-Martin in what seems to confirm the move to United for the young striker.

Now, we simply wait for images of him in his United training gear and to see him in action for the star-studded academy sides United currently boast.

Manchester United hero unimpressed with summer signing; expects him to be benched soon

Manchester United’s new signing Joshua Zirkzee has come under harsh criticism from former star Paul Parker. Despite a challenging start to the European football season, United appeared to be getting back on track with convincing wins over Southampton (3-0) and Barnsley (7-0). However, consecutive draws against Crystal Palace and Twente in the Europa League have once again put the club under immense pressure.

A recurring issue for the Red Devils has been the underperformance of their attacking line. Despite having notable forwards like Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, and Rasmus Højlund in the squad, United have struggled to find the back of the net consistently. They’ve scored just 13 goals in their seven games across all competitions this season, and only five goals in their five Premier League matches—a worrying statistic for a team with such attacking talent.

Parker’s criticism highlights the mounting frustration among fans and pundits as United’s forwards continue to fall short of expectations. If the club is to turn things around and compete at the highest level, their front line will need to step up and start delivering the goals needed to secure consistent results.

Paul Parker is not impressed with Joshua Zirkzee

Parker expressed his doubts about Joshua Zirkzee’s role in Manchester United’s lineup, especially now that Rasmus Højlund has returned from injury. Speaking to Betting Expert, he questioned where the Dutch forward would fit into the team, suggesting that unless manager Erik ten Hag adjusts the tactical setup, it would be challenging to accommodate Zirkzee without sacrificing a wide player.

Parker’s comments underline the conundrum Ten Hag faces in balancing the squad’s attacking options. With Højlund now available and the need to maintain width in the formation, finding the right role for Zirkzee could prove difficult. If Ten Hag is to utilize both players effectively, he may need to rethink the team’s dynamics to ensure they can coexist without disrupting the overall balance of the side.

“Once Højlund is back from injury he will start because you need a focal point. He’s needed. I can’t see how Zirkzee gets in the team. Who do you take out to bring him in? Do you take out a wide player? Unless ten Hag changes the system I can’t see how Zirkzee plays and I don’t know his best position. Can he win the ball back? I look at him and when he starts games, his socks are around his ankles and he looks like he’s ran a half marathon before he’s even started a game. I’m not sure how fit he is. There’s no great burst in his runs or a change of pace. He’s very one paced. I just don’t know. Capello said the pace of the game in England has caught Zirkzee off guard.”

While Zirkzee has joined Manchester United, it remains uncertain how Erik Ten Hag will integrate him into the lineup. With stalwarts like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho already spearheading United’s attack and Rasmus Højlund back as the main striker, Zirkzee’s potential game time is in question.

Much will depend on Ten Hag, known for his unconventional decisions. Although Zirkzee’s role in the starting XI is not yet clear, it’s likely that he will still feature regularly, even if only as a substitute. The Dutch forward will be eager to make an impact, whether coming off the bench or seizing any starting opportunities that come his way.

The former Bologna striker is determined to prove himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. With plenty of talent in United’s attacking ranks, Zirkzee will need to make the most of his chances to establish himself at Old Trafford.