Tottenham: 3 things Spurs must do to defeat Manchester United

Tottenham desperately need a win over Manchester United to keep their top-four hopes alive. Here’s how Spurs can get the job done on Friday.

No one knows exactly what to expect when Tottenham and Manchester United restart their Premier League campaigns against one another on Friday. The only sure thing is that a win is imperative for Jose Mourinho’s squad. Spurs must take home all three points if they want to climb back into the race for a top-four Premier League finish.

The clubs were certainly heading in opposite directions when the season was halted due to the current global pandemic. Manchester United were riding high after their brilliant acquisition of Bruno Fernandes in January. The team hasn’t lost a single match since his arrival at Old Trafford.

In sharp contrast, Tottenham were scratching and clawing for any point they could secure. Losing both Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son due to injury took the teeth out of the Spurs attack. Fortunately for Mourinho and his coaching staff, both men have taken advantage of the season’s suspension to recover to full fitness.

If Tottenham are going to pull off the upset win they’ll need to win several key battles on the pitch. Spurs fans should keep a close eye on these three things their club must accomplish to emerge victorious.

Tottenham key No. 3: Choose a coherent defense

Mourinho arrived at Tottenham with a well-earned reputation of building stingy defenses. That hasn’t happened for him yet at Spurs. Tottenham cannot defeat United unless they don’t choose the right back four.

Toby Alderweireld is an absolute lock to start at one center back spot. Choosing his partner is a bit tricky, but Davinson Sanchez’s pace makes him the right call to play against United. Neither Jan Vertonghen or Eric Dier has the foot speed required to compete against fleet-footed attackers like Marcus Rashford.

Serge Aurier will start at right back largely by default. He’s capable of solid performances, but Mourinho will have to hope for Friday to be one of his better matches. Ben Davies will be counted on to play his usual steady football at left back.

If Tottenham’s defense can hold up against United’s talented attack then Spurs will have a chance to win this match. If the Spurs back four wobbles, it could capitulate in an ugly loss for the club.