Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has dropped a big selection hint ahead of the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have drawn their last two games against Crystal Palace and FC Twente. They need a much-improved performance to beat the Spurs at home.
Ten Hag has acknowledged that it could be a ‘very attacking’ and ‘very open’ game with plenty of intensity on both ends of the pitch.
The Dutchman also emphasised that both teams will be ‘thinking about attacking’. This could have an effect on the manager’s selection.
Manuel Ugarte has yet to make his full Premier League debut and he could be on the bench with Kobbie Mainoo partnering Christian Eriksen.
Eriksen has been at his creative best since the international break. He opened the scoring with a sublime first-time effort against FC Twente in midweek.
The Dane went from hero to villain with an error in the lead-up to the equaliser, but United’s defensive positioning was also to blame for the goal conceded.
Eriksen may continue in the starting XI against his former employers.
Ugarte could make way for Mainoo in midfield. The United graduate came on as a second-half substitute in the recent stalemate against FC Twente.
The Uruguayan, who was signed for £42 million, is a quality player but has yet to adapt to the playing style and lost possession 17 times in midweek.
Eriksen was much better with his ‘ball control‘ and this was a keyword highlighted by the manager during his Q&A session ahead of Spurs’ visit of Old Trafford.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
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