Manchester United return to action on Sunday afternoon when they face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will be desperate to bounce back in the Premier League after successive draws to Crystal Palace and Twente.
Manchester United kicked off their Europa League campaign by dropping points in a 1-1 draw to Twente on Wednesday evening and there is now huge pressure on Erik ten Hag and his squad to turn things around against Spurs.
United currently sit down in 11th in the Premier League table after winning just two of their opening five league games.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 10 |  TottenhamTottenham |
5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 7 |
| 11 |  Man UtdManchester United |
5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 7 |
| 12 |  BrentfordBrentford |
5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 6 |
Tottenham have an identical record to United and Ange Postecoglou’s side have so far suffered a similar fate of dominating games but failing to pick up maximum points.
Both clubs started the season targeting a top-four finish but have underperformed, which only adds to the importance of Sunday’s meeting.
Joshua Zirkzee to be axed for Rasmus Hojlund
United have actually improved defensively this season and their biggest issue so far has been at the other end of the pitch.
Apart from the Barnsley match, United have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net. They continue to lead the Premier League in big chances missed.
Ten Hag is facing a selection headache ahead of Sunday’s game with multiple options available in every attacking position.
There has been a lot of controversy around Marcus Rashford being dropped for the trip to Crystal Palace, and he impressed on his return to the starting lineup against Twente.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are also competing for the striker spot after the Dane made his return to injury.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s visit, Merson believes Marcus Rashford and Hojlund should both start against Tottenham.
Via SportSkeeda, Merson wrote: “If Rasmus Hojlund is fit, I think he should always play and that’s the same with Marcus Rashford.
“They should figure out a way to play both Alejandro Garnacho and Rashford together, that’ll give them an edge in attack.
“But the funny thing is, I would be surprised if all of them play together. We saw the other day how Rashford was on the bench even when he was in form.”
It suggests that Merson would want to see £36m summer signing Joshua Zirkzee dropped from the starting lineup in favour of Hojlund despite Zirkzee impressing Ten Hag in recent weeks.
Paul Merson predicts Man United vs Tottenham
Merson is eager for Hojlund and Rashford to start, and he has also predicted “loads of goals” for Sunday’s meeting.
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Premier League
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Man UtdManchester United
TottenhamTottenham
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He added: “This is a huge game for both teams. Tottenham play a dangerous high line and Manchester United are not great at the back, so it’s a very open football match.”
Merson then predicted that the points will be split between United and Spurs in a 2-2 draw.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/vP4JkAQ