Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur in this weekend’s Premier League blockbuster, looking to extend their remarkable recent form.
Michael Carrick has been put through a trial by fire since being named United’s interim manager, but has passed with flying colours, leading to calls for him to be handed the full-time job.
Another win against a lowly Tottenham side will strengthen his claim even further, but United’s recent form against Spurs suggests Carrick’s new manager bounce could fizzle out this weekend.
The North Londoners will be keen to save face after their fall off and could see Old Trafford as the ideal ground to spark an unlikely resurgence.
That sets the tone for a box office showdown, and Man Utd News has delivered an early preview of what is expected to be a captivating showdown in Manchester.
Overall form
Carrick kicked off his trial by fire with back-to-back wins against Manchester City and Arsenal.
That alone was enough for United fans to call for his permanent appointment, but he strengthened those calls with a third consecutive Premier League victory against Fulham.
It was the first time United had achieved such a feat since October 2025. If they extend that run to four games in a row, Carrick will be the first to hit that milestone since Erik ten Hag in February 2024.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are heading into the game on the back of a six-match winless streak in the Premier League despite facing three teams in the bottom half, including two in the relegation zone.
On the positive side, Thomas Frank’s side are unbeaten across their last four games in all competitions following their most recent 2-2 draw against Man City (W2, D2).
Positions of both managers
Both managers head into this contest in contrasting situations.
Carrick is doing his best to convince the United hierarchy he’s the best man for the permanent role, while Frank is walking a tightrope with every game likely his last in the Tottenham dugout.
At the moment, Carrick looks more likely to land a job than Frank is to keep his. The former Middlesbrough manager has turned heads and defied expectations since returning to Old Trafford.
Back-to-back wins against Man City and Arsenal restored United’s position in the top-four race, although the narrow victory over Fulham revealed a few cracks that will need to be addressed.
Meanwhile, Frank will feel hard done by after failing to welcome enough reinforcements despite dealing with an alarming injury list.
The chances of him staying until the end of the season are slim, but ending United’s winning streak could be the start of winning back the Tottenham fans.
Expectations for this season
Returning to the Champions League via a top-four finish for the first time since the 2023/24 campaign should be firmly at the top of United’s wishlist.
Their last appearance in Europe’s premier tournament came after a third-place finish in 2022/23, but they haven’t returned to the pinnacle of European football since.
This time, they’re well on their way, and their chances have been bolstered by the possibility of England securing five slots in the Champions League.
Although United may not need the extra slot if they can keep up their current form.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are all but certain to miss out on Champions League football but will hope to qualify for one of the other two European tournaments.
However, their immediate focus will be on snapping an abominable six-match Premier League winless streak at the Theatre of Dreams.
Man United home form
United’s home form will bolster their confidence heading into this clash. Despite their topsy-turvy campaign, the Red Devils have one of the strongest home records in the league.
United have won seven of their 12 home games this season (D3, L2).
Only Arsenal and Everton have gotten the better of United on home turf, while West Ham United, Bournemouth, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are the other teams to take a point from Old Trafford.
United are currently enjoying a six-match unbeaten streak at Old Trafford (D3).
They’ll take on Tottenham on the back of consecutive home wins and will fancy their chances of extending that run to three games on the bounce.
Tottenham away form
Tottenham’s away form spices up this exciting contest even further, with Frank’s side boasting the joint-third best Premier League record on the road.
However, they’ve only won five of their 12 outings so far and can only boast of one from their last seven fixtures on the road (D3, L3).
They’ll also visit Manchester on the back of a three-match winless streak away from home (D2, L1).