Erik ten Hag is in desperate need of three points after winning just one of the last three games, with Tottenham’s visit to Old Trafford being the first of two difficult tests this week.
United failed to find a way through a stubborn Newcastle side last weekend and had to settle for a 0-0 draw as they dropped two points in the chase for a top-four finish.
Ahead of tonight’s late kick-off, Ten Hag named his starting eleven and the Dutchman made just one change, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo with Marcus Rashford, who has now fully recovered from the illness that restricted him to the bench last weekend.
Speaking ahead of the game, Ten Hag has now explained his team selection.
“You think about games over 90 minutes, I think to start this is the best,” The manager told Premier League Productions, via the official Manchester United website.
“You know Tottenham are really comfortable from the back, they can really play from the back, so you need a good press. They have high intensity.
“So a quick team can match that, also we have the dynamic in front, and we know we need Cristiano at the end as well, of course we need to score if we want to win the game.”
Ten Hag also commented on Christian Eriksen and Rashford, who have both been under the weather over the last couple of days.
“Marcus was ill at the weekend,” Ten Hag said. “He wasn’t available for 90 minutes, otherwise he should have started on Sunday as well.
“The moment Marcus came in, we were getting more dynamic in front and that is what we need today, to break that line and also to build up this game. Also, we know we have a threat on the bench with Ronaldo to finish this game.
“Christian was ill as well at the weekend. He came back yesterday for his first training and he doesn’t feel he has the energy to go 90 minutes.
“So he will be on the bench as well but he can play for a couple of minutes. Hopefully, we can bring him to have an impact on the game or the better is we don’t need him and the game will run good.”
Victory over Tottenham would put United on 19 points and back in the mix for a top-four placement before the season is broken by the World Cup next month.
Following tonight’s game, United face another stern test when they make the trip to Stamford Bridge at the weekend. Chelsea have been in inspired form since Graham Potter took over last month.
