Manchester United can probably wave their Champions League qualification hopes goodbye if they are defeated by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The Red Devils have failed to kick on this season after a fine 2022/23 campaign under Erik ten Hag, but Ange Postecoglou's Spurs have taken their place as one of the Premier League's most interesting and thrilling sides.
There's still time for United to resurrect their season — one that has so far spawned double-digit defeats in all competitions and an embarrassing Champions League exit — and victory against Tottenham could galvanise a club in danger of falling back into crisis.
Here's how United can beat Spurs this weekend.
United didn't do a lot wrong during their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham back in August. On another day, they would have gone a goal or two up with their early flurry of chances, but they ultimately lacked a cutting edge — as has gone on to be a recurring theme this season.
Once Spurs went a goal up just after half-time, United's clearest chances dried up and they were restricted to efforts from range and set pieces. Panic set in and Tottenham were able to ride their momentum to victory.
The same cannot happen at Old Trafford. Without a 61,000-strong crowd behind them, it should be harder for Spurs to eek out such a win in that fashion again, but United have an awful habit of making their visitors feel welcome.
The general feeling in August's fixture was whoever scored first would go on to win. That inkling is still lingering around in January — United need to keep calm in both boxes.
It would be a seriously damning indictment on United if they somehow don't create many or any chances against a Tottenham team still in experimental transition, one that has been chopped and
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