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Struggling Man Utd host bottom side Spurs at Old Trafford after break
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๐ฐ Manchester United return from the international break at home to bottom-of-the-table Tottenham on 10 October, in a game where both managers badly need a win.
๐ Key points
๐๏ธ Kick-off is 5.30pm on Saturday 10 October at Old Trafford
๐ United are 12th on five points; Spurs are bottom on two
๐ Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt played in a behind-closed-doors friendly
๐ฉน Spurs are sweating on Jan Paul van Hecke and Pedro Porro
๐ฅ Some are already billing it as a must-win for both managers
๐ What happened
๐ United have one win, two draws and two defeats from five league games. Five points matches their lowest tally at this stage, equalling 2014-15. They also crashed out of the Carabao Cup at home to Brighton after leading 2-0.
๐ Spurs are still without a league win after two draws and three defeats, and have scored just twice in five games despite a summer outlay that included a reported ยฃ100m for Sandro Tonali.
๐ During the break United beat Lausanne-Sport 2-1 behind closed doors at Carrington. Baleba, a ยฃ70m summer signing from Brighton, made his first appearance in a United shirt after an ankle injury, and De Ligt returned from a long-term back problem.
๐ฉน Michael Carrick has issues of his own at left-back after Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui were hurt on international duty. Spurs' Van Hecke left the Netherlands squad with a foot injury after being stamped on against Serbia, while Porro's hamstring problem leaves him a doubt.
๐ By the numbers
โข United 12th (5 pts) v Spurs 20th (2 pts)
โข Spurs' league goals: two in five games
โข Premier League meetings: United have won 40 of 68 (The Stats Zone)
๐ What to watch
๐งฑ Baleba's debut โ United's midfield has lacked an athletic partner to cover and carry the ball. If Baleba plays, the balance could shift.
๐ฉน Spurs' defensive gaps โ Without Van Hecke and Porro, De Zerbi may have to rebuild his back line, and United will look to exploit it.
โฝ Spurs' blunt attack โ Can a side with two league goals break down a United defence that has conceded in every league game?
๐ฅ Managers under pressure โ Local coverage suggests the losing manager could find his position under serious threat. Neither side can afford another poor result.
๐ญ Why it matters
United have a strong home record against Spurs, but a change in mood matters more than history right now. Whatever the result, either Carrick or De Zerbi will come out of it under greater pressure. Kick-off is 5.30pm UK time on Saturday 10 October.
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