On Saturday night in the Premier League, Manchester United plays Tottenham Hotspur in London. It is the first away game of the year. In order to get their first points away from Old Trafford, United defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on Monday night.
Raphael Varane scored the first goal of the season for United on Monday night, heading in an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross into the box despite United’s not entirely convincing victory over Wolves. However, there was substantial debate regarding the late penalty ruling.
In the box, new goalie Andre Onana was thought to have fouled a Wolves player, but the authorities didn’t grant a penalty. As a result, Wolves lost their season-opening Premier League game, which caused the ABU media to harp on about it all week.
To defeat Spurs in their home stadium, United will need to start the game strong. It’s critical that United win their first two games since doing so will put them in good shape for upcoming crucial games, including the start of the UEFA Champions League next month.
Goalkeeper: Onana
On Monday night, Andre Onana played Wolves at Old Trafford and made his United debut in the Premier League. He preserved a clean sheet, and United won the game 1-0 to earn all three points. However, a penalty scream that occurred late in the game caused some controversy.
Even if City won the triple, the ABU media continued to postulate negatively about United despite the fact that nothing was ultimately given. This is what these depressed people appear to do best because they lack any other interesting topics to discuss.
When everyone gets used to the new goalie, Onana will be a completely different goalkeeper from David De Gea and will actually come off his line to cut out chances, which will improve United’s defense even more. For United, this season may be fruitful.
With Onana’s improvement as he adjusts to the team, United will benefit greatly, especially when they resume Champions League play next month. However, United should first focus on defeating Spurs and keeping another clean sheet.
Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw
Over the past two seasons, the defense has made some progress. The days of relying on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to anchor the defense are long gone. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez must now put their bodies on the line for United in order to maintain their clean sheets.
Varane and Martinez started in the middle of the back four against Wolves, but the Argentine was taken out at halftime due to a booking and a slight ankle injury. He might make another start for United against Wolves or sit on the bench.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw began at fullback against Wolves. That will probably be the case against Spurs as United looks to accumulate six points through its first two games of the season. Wan-Bissaka gave Wolves his first helper of the year.
In the same game, Varane scored his first goal of the year as United triumphed to earn three points. If United needs to make changes to the defense in the second half of the game on Saturday, players like Lindelof, Maguire, and Diogo Dalot may be on the bench.
Midfield: Casemiro, Eriksen
Although United’s midfield has some excellent players on it this year, the team needs additional depth to carry it through the rest of the campaign. In order to add additional depth and prevent player weariness, United absolutely needs to be aggressive in the transfer market.
The midfielder Casemiro chooses himself, and this season, especially in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, he will start most of the games. The Brazilian has been a tremendous player for United this season because of all that he does.
Against his previous team, Spurs, Christian Eriksen should start alongside the Brazilian in the center of the midfield. The Dane is an elite player, and if he receives adequate rest during the season, there is no reason why he cannot be the midfield’s spark plug.
Of course, other players will also compete for a spot in the starting lineup in the middle. After Fred left the team this summer, Scott McTominay will be one of those players. Another name for Donny van de Beek, although his exit might happen shortly.
Attacking Midfield: Sancho, Fernandes, Mount
Although United has competent players in these spots, their performance versus Wolves was arguably not as strong as it could have been. To get the best performance out of his team against the Spurs, Ten Hag will likely need to make some adjustments. Additionally, it will help athletes reach season-ready standards.
Against Wolves, Jadon Sancho entered the game late and made a difference. He had a successful preseason and exhibits a strong work ethic this season, which may be his final opportunity to excel at the club. He excelled at Borussia Dortmund, but he has regressed thus far at United.
Despite having capable players in these positions, United’s performance against Wolves was perhaps not as great as it could have been. Ten Hag will probably need to make some tweaks to get his club to play at its best against the Spurs. Athletes will also be able to meet season-ready criteria thanks to it.
Jadon Sancho came into the game against Wolves late and had an impact. He had a terrific preseason and is working hard this season, which could be his last chance to shine at the club. At Borussia Dortmund, he was outstanding, but thus far at United, he has deteriorated.
Forward: Rashford
Although Marcus Rashford is not a striker, he will likely continue to lead the line because United are currently lacking in attacking players due to injuries, even though it does not appear that he will score in the forward position anytime soon. But maybe things will change!
Rashford scored 30 goals for himself last year, and he’ll need to keep scoring in that range this year. Can he accomplish it? The unknown! He will, however, undoubtedly try to create a name for himself in the Premier League and elsewhere this coming season.
When healthy, Anthony Martial is a player who can contribute positively, but as his performance in the last campaign demonstrated, this needs to change this year. On a good day, Martial is a player who can lead the line for United, but he has also had plenty of poor ones.
When Hojlund is playing, has settled in, and is putting goals in the back of the net, as is the purpose of his arrival at Old Trafford, United will be so much better. For years, United has been in need of a young, hungry striker like him.