Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur is Sunday’s 4.30pm kick-off in what will be the 194th meeting between the sides in all competitions and 57th in the Premier League.
It will be the third time Spurs manager Jose Mourinho has faced his former employers and the second time at Old Trafford, having lost the previous meeting 2-1, his third match in charge of the north London side.
As Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur prepare for battle, I’ve created an XI comprising players from both sides. It’s just for fun – but do you agree?
Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
Despite being Manchester United’s number two goalkeeper and yet to feature in the league this season, the shot-stopper has been the most consistent of the players in contention, keeping successive clean sheets in his last two games.
Last term Henderson kept the same number of clean sheets on loan at Sheffield United as David de Gea (13), despite playing for an arguably inferior side. Hugo Lloris kept six clean sheets last season and has yet to keep one this campaign.
Defenders
Right-back: Matt Doherty
The former Wolves full-back has started the season well and has looked sharp on the right flank, marauding forward and creating chances.
He has been involved in eight goals and 11 assists from 74 appearances in his last two seasons in the league and, despite no involvements to his name this season, has been impressive in terms of creativity and defensive work.
Centre-back: Eric Bailly
As United struggle to find their best defensive pairing, Bailly did well on his last two starts. He has helped to keep two clean sheets, albeit against Luton and Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
He should be in United’s starting line-up, especially with Victor Lindelof struggling. The Swede conceded a controversial penalty in their opener against Crystal Palace and looked out of sorts against the Seagulls in their last league game.
Centre-back: Eric Dier
Eric Dier has played in every minute of Tottenham Hotspur’s league campaign. He was rested for Thursday night’s Europa League thrashing of Maccabi Haifa, having played 180 minutes in the space of three days.
He has done well in recent matches and, despite conceding a contentious penalty at the end of the Newcastle United game, has mostly been untroubled.
Left-back: Sergio Reguilon
The Spaniard marked his debut in a Spurs shirt with an assist for Erik Lamela in the side’s Carabao Cup fourth round victory over London rivals Chelsea.
He showed glimpses of his attacking prowess and, despite an error in the build-up to Chelsea’s opener, looked comfortable.
Midfielders
Central midfield: Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese midfielder has started this season as he ended the last one. Last term he scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions.
This campaign he has managed a goal and an assist from two league appearances, both coming in the controversial win at Brighton.
Central-defensive midfield: Paul Pogba
The Frenchman hasn’t had the best of starts to the season but scored in his last match against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
The midfielder tends to do well against Spurs and has recorded three assists in five games against the Lilywhites, including one in the reverse fixture last term.
Central midfield: Giovani Lo Celso
The Argentine has featured in all but two games for Tottenham this season, scoring twice in Thursday’s Europa League win. This should give him confidence going into Sunday.
Forwards
Right-wing: Lucas Moura
The Brazilian is in fine form and has been involved in three goals in seven appearances this season, with two goals in his last three matches.
He should be in line to start due to Heung-min Son’s absence through injury. He scored twice in his first appearance against United, who he has faced three times.
Centre-forward: Harry Kane
The Englishman has started this term in prolific form after bagging 18 league goals last season.
He has contributed to 12 goals in seven games across all competitions, with six goals and assists respectively. That includes a hat-trick in his last outing against Maccabi Haifa.
He has two goals and one assist against United from 13 encounters.
Left-wing: Marcus Rashford
The United forward has featured in every game for the Red Devils this term and scored two goals from four appearances.
He managed 17 league goals last season, with two of them against Spurs at Old Trafford.
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