Spurs Starting XI vs Man United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Spurs Team News vs Man United: Predicted Lineup, Injury Updates Ahead of Old Trafford Clash

Tottenham travel to Old Trafford carrying equal measures of encouragement and concern, their squad stretched but not without signs of recovery. As Spurs prepare to face Man United in a fixture that often shapes the narrative of both clubs’ seasons, the return of key defensive personnel offers Thomas Frank a measure of relief at a critical juncture.

Defensive Reinforcements Return

The most significant boost arrives in the form of Micky van de Ven. The Dutch defender has missed Spurs’ previous two outings against Frankfurt and Manchester City, fixtures that exposed the fragility of an already depleted back line. His return comes at a time when Frank has been forced to improvise, injuries having reduced his defensive options to the bare minimum.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Man United, Frank confirmed the positive update. “So Micky is good, [he] trained today,” the Spurs boss told reporters on Thursday. “He is available for selection for Saturday.

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“So it’s good. Djed Spence is getting closer. It will be a little bit touch-and-go, but there is a good chance that he will be ready.”

Cristian Romero is also expected to start, having recovered from the illness that forced his withdrawal at half time during the 2-2 draw with City. His partnership with Van de Ven could be restored, a pairing that last made headlines when both defenders scored in a dramatic stoppage time draw away at Burnley.

Injury List Still Mounting

Despite those returns, Spurs remain deep in an injury crisis. Kevin Danso is sidelined after hyper extending his toe, while long term absentees continue to populate the treatment room. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison are among the attacking names unavailable, limiting Frank’s flexibility.

There is better news surrounding Dominic Solanke. The striker rolled his ankle late on against City but is fit to feature. His two goal performance in that comeback underlined his growing importance to Spurs’ attacking structure, particularly in high tempo transitions.

Radu Dragusin, making his first start in 12 months following an anterior cruciate ligament injury, may retain his place if Frank persists with a back three. His display against City was uneven, a difficult first half giving way to a more assured second period.

Selection Calls in Midfield and Attack

Joao Palhinha’s recent deployment as an auxiliary centre back presents Frank with a tactical dilemma. The Portuguese midfielder has impressed with his physical presence and composure in possession, recording the highest tackle count across matches against Frankfurt and City.

Further forward, attacking alterations are under consideration. Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel, both lively in recent weeks, are pushing for inclusion. Odobert in particular could replace Randal Kolo Muani on the right, offering greater directness and pressing intensity against Man United’s back line.

Predicted Spurs XI at Old Trafford

With system flexibility required, Spurs are expected to line up in a 3-4-3 shape:

Vicario

Palhinha, Romero, Van de Ven

Spence, Gray, Gallagher, Udogie

Odobert, Solanke, Simons

As Spurs confront Man United, the contest will hinge on defensive cohesion and transitional sharpness. Reinforcements have arrived, but cohesion must follow quickly if they are to leave Old Trafford with momentum intact.