Five reasons to expect an upset in Man Utd v Tottenham.
Man Utd v Tottenham kicks off the start of the new Premier League season today at 12.45pm, and here’s five reasons to expect a shock result – a Spurs win at Old Trafford against Louis van Gaal’s title hopefuls…
1) United still haven’t sorted their defence
Linked with big names like Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi this summer, United still haven’t brought in the world class central defender they need, and Daley Blind could start in an unfamiliar role against Tottenham this afternoon. Against opposition of this quality, the Reds’ back four still isn’t good enough.
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2) Harry Kane can punish them
One of the best strikers in Europe last season, Tottenham star Harry Kane can punish United’s suspect defence this afternoon, and there’s no doubt that the England man will be relishing playing against a new-look back four with a goalkeeper making his debut.
3) Wayne Rooney not enough up front
United could also do with new strikers, and at the moment they only have Wayne Rooney up front to pose a threat to Spurs. With only 12 league goals last season, the 29-year-old is hardly the great finisher he once was, and the club must try to land a big name like Karim Benzema or Robert Lewandowski before the transfer deadline, having lost Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao this summer.
4) United are known for being slow starters
United got off to a very slow start last season, losing at home to Swansea City on the opening day of the season, and the club have often been slow to get going in the past, even during their glory years under Sir Alex Ferguson. This could present Spurs with a real opportunity to punish some early-season sloppiness.
5) Spurs are improving in the big games
Aside from a defeat at Old Trafford last season, Tottenham have a very strong recent record against United and could take real confidence from that today. As well as that, Mauricio Pochettino’s side fared well in other big games last season, beating Arsenal and Chelsea at home, and also claiming a point against Van Gaal’s side.