Boost for Spurs: Thomas Frank confirms ‘absolutely brilliant’ star has returned just in time to face United

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·5 February 2026

Boost for Spurs: Thomas Frank confirms ‘absolutely brilliant’ star has returned just in time to face United

Thomas Frank has issued an update on his squad options ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Old Trafford on Saturday.

Manchester United and Spurs occupy this weekend’s early kick-off slot, with the Red Devils looking to make it four wins on the bounce under Michael Carrick.

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On the other hand, Tottenham are winless in their last six Premier League matches, overseeing four draws and two defeats.

Who’s missing for United this weekend?

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Both Frank and Carrick addressed the media today to discuss their respective team’s news.

Carrick confirmed that he would be without long-term absentee Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt, the latter of whom has not played since the end of November due to an unspecified injury setback.

Additionally, Mason Mount is a doubt this time around, having missed the previous win over Fulham. Against Arsenal the week prior, he was an unused substitute.

Spurs’ team news for Old Trafford trip

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

As for the visitors, Frank will have Micky van de Ven back at his disposal after the centre-half, whom Gary Neville hailed as ‘absolutely brilliant’ for his assist against United last season, missed the last two outings.

Djed Spence and Cristian Romero were both hooked during Spurs’ draw with Manchester City, though the latter was withdrawn through illness rather than injury, so will be back in the side in M16.

“Micky trained today and is available for selection for Saturday, so that’s good. Djed is getting closer; it will be touch-and-go, and there’s a good chance he’ll be ready. Cuti is also available,” said the Danish boss on Thursday.

United’s closest top-four competitors as things stand are fifth-placed Chelsea, who travel to take on rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers, and sixth-placed Liverpool, who host City on Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm.