Game Week 6 Predictions: United and Spurs to settle for a draw

Manchester United face Tottenham at Old Trafford as both teams seek to climb from mid-table struggles, pressure on Erik Ten Hag and Ange Postecoglu.

Marcus Rashford and Heung Min Son have both impacted this fixture in the past, which of them will step up on Sunday? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester United vs. Tottenham

Old Trafford Stadium

4:30pm

Manchester United and Tottenham saw how things panned out in the league games played on Saturday. The two sides are currently sitting in 10^th and 11^th spots with identical fortunes; this game is important to both clubs.

Manchester United has lost twice in the league season, and they have only played five games; their only wins were against Fulham and Southampton. Despite their tonnes of shots on goal last weekend, they had to settle for a goalless draw at Selhurst Park.

Tottenham's situation remains unchanged; their losses to Arsenal and Newcastle have pushed them down the ladder, and their only victories this season have come against Brentford and Everton, following their opening day draw with Leicester City.

At the start of the season, Ange Postecoglou told fans that he typically wins something in his second season, and he went so far as to assure everyone after the home loss to the Gunners that he indeed will win something this season. It doesn’t look like it right now, but there’s so much time for him to do it.

Erik Ten Hag cannot afford to drop another stinker in this one; he saw his side throw away a lead in the Europa League in midweek against FC Twente, which adds to the stalemate at Palace, and you wonder how many cigarettes he has left.

Tottenham has the ability to play interesting football; they are great to watch, but they must learn how to concentrate for the entire game. Spurs only impress when they’re in possession; they look like a team of strangers whenever they’re under pressure and out of possession.

For United, their issue is one that defies a simple solution; their energy is borderline bipolar, making it difficult to determine how to assist. Ten Hag doesn't accept responsibility, and the club hierarchy will need to make a decision at some point.

How will they approach this? Both sides have a relatively fit squad; Luke Shaw is the only Manchester United player who is unavailable, while Wilson Odobert and Richarlison are the ones in the medical room for Spurs. They both have enough to fight this one out.

Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are two players who can make a significant impact for the hosts. However, the issue with the former is that his manager chose to start him from the bench after he showed improvement; he should start this game.

Dominic Solanke has gotten off the mark; if they allow him, he is going to trouble a leggy United defense. Heung Min Son is carrying something, but he has been cleared to play. It will be fun to see how both sides use their squad qualities to earn something from this one.

Verdict: Full-time draw