Tottenham Hotspur make the long journey north to Old Trafford for a 2024/25 Premier League Matchday 6 encounter. Here is a preview

Manchester United are at home to Tottenham Hotspur looking to secure maximum points against a team they are so used to beating. 

Although there was a 2-2 draw the last time they met in January 2024, no team has won more home matches against a single opponent in Premier League history than Manchester United’s 24 against Tottenham.

Nevertheless, Spurs ended a five-game winless run against Man Utd early last season and they will now be eager to secure a rare away win at Old Trafford. 

The Red Devils have had an eventful 2024 as a campaign that was blighted by injuries to key players saw their protracted takeover come to completion and ended gloriously with an FA Cup triumph at Wembley Stadium. 

Erik ten Hag managed their inconsistent form caused by the crippling injury crisis before delivering an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, but their FA Cup victory means they will play Europa League football next season. 

Although the Dutchman had to walk on eggshells throughout the season as the pressure mounted, an end-of-season review by the INEOS-led board has entrusted Ten Hag with continuing in his role.

Manchester United will start their 2024/25 Premier League season with a home fixture against Fulham and then a trip to Brighton. Liverpool will rock up to Old Trafford for the first instalment of this heated rivalry and after the international break, they will visit Southampton and Crystal Palace before hosting Spurs. 

Good performances must be followed by results as Erik ten Hag finally gets significant backing in the transfer window for what is his third season at the helm. The Dutchman will also be desperate for a bigger squad that can compete and fewer injuries to build momentum.

On paper, United have been the second most successful English club behind their city rivals during Ten Hag’s reign and they must now build a side that perfectly suits his identity.  

Tottenham themselves enjoyed a renaissance last term as Ange Postecoglou’s appointment had a galvanizing effect on the playing style and thus the mood of the fans. Their attractive brand of football wowed supporters and impressed neutrals as they went unbeaten for the first three months of the campaign. 

Although they fell off due to injuries and suspension to key players in crucial parts of the season, Tottenham concluded the campaign with a 3-0 victory over relegated Sheffield United which guaranteed Europa League football for this season.

Expectations have risen for 2024/25 and they must live up to those standards set under their Australian manager. Spurs open their Premier League account against Leicester City, then face Everton, Newcastle, Arsenal and Brentford before the trip to Manchester.

They will aim to be among the very first teams close to the summit of the table by then as they plot a memorable campaign. 

Match tickets

This exciting Premier League fixture takes place on Sunday, 29 September 2024 with kick-off scheduled for 4:30 PM UK time. Match tickets are available for sale on each club’s website with season ticket holders and club members getting priority consideration. 

There is set to be an electric atmosphere with almost 75,000 people filling the stands of Old Trafford, the prospect of Ten Hag’s side against the ultra-attacking Spurs promises to be a sparkling occasion. It is hence important for supporters to secure their match tickets early enough to avoid last-minute disappointments. 

Those in need of Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur tickets can get them on a resale site. 

Team news

Man United have been working hard to improve their squad during the summer transfer market as Joshua Zirkzee was made the first signing of the INEOS era in a €42.5million deal. Leny Yoro has also joined for big money despite his preference to join Real Madrid and the Red Devils are still in the market for centre-back additions with Matthijs de Ligt reportedly close to joining the club.

There is a need for reinforcements in the holding midfield position where Manuel Ugarte is thought to be nearing a move to United. After having an exceptional Copa America campaign with Uruguay, the 23-year-old is a wanted man despite an underwhelming first season at Paris Saint-Germain, as he represents a smart replacement for Casemiro who has been heavily linked with a move away this summer amidst links to the Saudi Pro League. 

Exits are needed to facilitate the conditions to spend more money, and United have already sold Mason Greenwood to Marseille for £26.6m while PSG are interested in signing Jadon Sancho. The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay and Victor Lindelof also have uncertain futures and could be on the move. 

Spurs have been quite passive in terms of incomings ahead of the new season but they retain interest in Conor Gallagher whose future is set to be decided in the coming weeks. Chelsea want between £40m to £50m for the midfielder but their rivals are confident they can secure a deal for around £30m.

Tottenham are also in need of an attacker and have previously shown interest in Santiago Gimenez as well as Karim Adeyemi.

Line-ups

Ten Hag will be desperate to work with a much fitter squad this term to field his best team more often than not. United will have a much stronger lineup, and this is as good as they can be at the time of writing. 

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Ugarte, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund 

Tottenham had a very strong starting 11 last term but lacked quality in the squad to cope with the unique demands of Postecoglou’s system. Reinforcements are needed but they are likely to field close to their strongest side from last season. 

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Maddison, Kulusevski; Son

Prediction

There has been only one draw in the last 18 Premier League meetings between Man Utd and Spurs at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils winning 13 of those. The three points are set to go one way or another this time, 

Expect a fascinating encounter with a victory for Ten Hag’s men. 

Man United 2-1 Tottenham