Brutal record: Carrick must stop Tottenham star with 5 goals in 4 games vs Man United
Manchester United caretaker head coach Michael Carrick faces a major tactical test as he looks to mastermind a victory over Tottenham Hotspur today.
Spurs will arrive at Old Trafford full of belief after grinding out a hard-fought draw against Manchester City last weekend.
The Cityzens were cruising at 2-0 by half-time before Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke turned the contest on its head with a stunning brace.
The 28-year-old has been in red-hot form since returning from injury.
Carrick will know that stopping Solanke must be near the very top of his tactical priorities.
He should also be aware of Solanke’s excellent record against the Red Devils, with five goals in his last four appearances against them.
He struck twice in Tottenham’s dramatic 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final win in 2024 before adding the finishing touch in a crushing 3-0 Premier League victory at Old Trafford later that year.
United also faced Bournemouth twice during the 2023–24 season with Solanke leading the line, and he found the net in both matches as United failed to win either of those games.
Solanke has intelligent off-the-ball movement and offers strong link-up play.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are expected to start at the heart of defence.
The centre-back pairing must deny him space, dominate him in duels and cut off his supply if United are to stay in control.
If United can keep Solanke quiet, it could go a long way towards deciding the fate of this high-stakes encounter.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
(Also read: Ronaldo heroics & historic comebacks: Four unforgettable classics vs Tottenham that Man United will never forget)
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .