This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
After another disappointing result at the weekend, the pressure on Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has well and truly intensified. Reports in recent weeks had suggested the Norwegian was fighting for his job at Old Trafford, but The Athletic have claimed that the club are determined to stand by him even with Mauricio Pochettino now available.
It’s certainly an admirable stance from the Red Devils, but one that will come under serious examination on Wednesday night. Former United boss Jose Mourinho will return to Old Trafford as the recently appointed Tottenham boss, and there is certainly an element of a day of reckoning when it comes to Solskjaer. With that in mind, below is a look at how the Norwegian might set his team up for the visit of the north London side.
In front of United number one David de Gea, Solskjaer will be keen to keep his back-four the same, and provide a bit of stability. Since Mourinho took charge, Spurs have scored ten times in just three games, and the Red Devils will have a tough task in trying to keep the away side at bay.
And one of the Spurs men who has really appeared to enjoy a new lease of life under their new Portuguese boss, is Dele Alli. He has scored three times and provided one assist in that period, and Solskjaer will be incredibly wary of the England international. Having gone with Andreas Pereira to partner Fred in central midfield against Aston Villa last time out, the Norwegian may look to add some extra defensive protection on Wednesday night. That could potentially mean Axel Tuanzebe gets drafted into the line-up, in the same position he was brought on at Sheffield United.
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Further forward, whilst Juan Mata had an afternoon to forget against Villa – the Spaniard had just 35 touches and finished with a 6.5 match rating as per Sofascore – he does enjoy a relatively impressive record against Spurs. In the ten games he has played against them, he has scored three goals and provided a further four assists, and that could well prove to be decisive when Solskjaer makes his decision as to who should play.
And with a late injury update reportedly seeing Anthony Martial being ruled out of the game, it could mean Marcus Rashford returns up front, with Jesse Lingard being drafted in to replace the Frenchman.
