As Manchester United prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Ruben Amorim’s side, the match represents more than just a chance to climb the Premier League table it’s an opportunity to exorcise the demons of two painful defeats earlier this season. With both clubs languishing in the bottom half of the table, this clash of underachievers promises to be a pivotal moment in United’s faltering campaign.
A Season of Struggles: United’s Premier League Woes
United’s Premier League form has been nothing short of dismal. With 11 defeats in 24 games, the Red Devils sit 13th in the table, a staggering 22 points adrift of the top four. For a club of United’s stature, such a position is unacceptable, and the pressure is mounting on Amorim to turn things around.
The Portuguese coach, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, has faced an uphill battle from the start. Inheriting a squad low on confidence and riddled with injuries, Amorim has struggled to implement his high-intensity, possession-based style. Yet, there have been glimpses of progress, particularly in cup competitions, where United remain alive in the Europa League and FA Cup.
Sunday’s trip to Tottenham, who sit just two points behind in 14th, offers a chance to build momentum ahead of a crucial run of fixtures. But with memories of two previous defeats to Spurs still fresh, Amorim knows his side must deliver a vastly improved performance.
Tottenham’s Dominance: A Tale of Two Defeats
United’s encounters with Tottenham this season have been a microcosm of their struggles. In September, Ten Hag’s side were humiliated 3-0 at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes’ controversial first-half red card compounding their misery. Tottenham struck early through Brennan Johnson, with Gary Neville singling out Micky van de Ven for praise after the Dutch defender’s marauding run set up the goal.
The second meeting, a 4-3 defeat in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, was equally chastening. Amorim lamented his side’s lack of physicality and set-piece vulnerability, with Altay Bayindir’s late error from a corner proving decisive.
“We lacked physicality against Spurs,” Amorim admitted after the defeat. “We need to address that if we are to compete at this level.”
Van de Ven’s Absence: A Glimmer of Hope for United
One positive for United is the likely absence of Micky van de Ven, who has been a thorn in their side this season. The Dutch centre-back, hailed by Neville as “brilliant,” is expected to miss the match due to ongoing hamstring issues, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Van de Ven’s pace and composure have been key to Tottenham’s defensive stability, and his absence could leave them vulnerable to United’s counter-attacks. However, Spurs have reinforcements in the form of January signing Kevin Danso, who will be eager to make an impact.
For United, the injury list remains a concern. Lisandro Martínez’s knee injury has ruled him out for the foreseeable future, while Luke Shaw and Mason Mount continue their spells on the sidelines. Amorim will need to rely on the likes of Raphaël Varane and Harry Maguire to shore up the defence, while Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford must provide the creative spark.
Amorim’s Training Ground Focus: Time to Make It Count
One silver lining for Amorim has been the rare luxury of a full week on the training ground. With nine days since United’s last outing a hard-fought FA Cup win over Leicester the Portuguese coach has had time to drill his players and address the issues that have plagued their season.
Set-piece vulnerability, a lack of physicality, and defensive lapses have been recurring themes, and Amorim will demand improvement in all areas. The return of André Onana, who is expected to start in goal, should provide a boost, particularly after Bayindir’s costly error in the Carabao Cup defeat.
The Bigger Picture: A Season at a Crossroads
Sunday’s match is more than just a battle for mid-table bragging rights—it’s a litmus test for Amorim’s project. With the Europa League offering a potential route back to the Champions League, United must use this game as a springboard to build momentum.
For Tottenham, the stakes are equally high. Ange Postecoglou’s side have struggled for consistency this season, and a win against United would provide a much-needed confidence boost.
Conclusion: A Chance for Redemption
As United head to North London, the message is clear: this is a must-win game. Amorim’s side have already fallen short against Tottenham twice this season, and a third defeat would be a bitter pill to swallow.
With Van de Ven likely absent and a full week of preparation under their belts, United have no excuses. For Amorim, the challenge is to prove that his side can compete with the Premier League’s elite and that the glory days at Old Trafford aren’t as distant as they seem.
Quotes sourced from Ruben Amorim’s post-match press conference and Gary Neville’s commentary. Injury updates via the Daily Mail.
