ALL EYES will be on one man as Jose Mourinho makes his return to Old Trafford in just his fourth match in charge of new club Tottenham.
Spurs face Manchester United sitting two points and four places above their opponents in the Premier League, having won their last two games.
How Spurs could line up on Jose Mourinho’s return to Old Trafford
And their 3-0 victory in this fixture last season ironically sparked the beginning of the end of the Special One’s time at United.
Mourinho’s gloomy mood that characterised the end of his Red Devils tenure appears to have lifted so far at Spurs – and he even quoted Nelson Mandela in his pre-match press conference today.
As for his team selections so far, Mourinho has opted to keep it simple.
His side have lined up in a basic 4-2-3-1, switching to a back three in possession.
Paulo Gazzaniga will retain his place in goal with Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm still injured.
Serge Aurier, who has started all three of Mourinho’s games in charge so far, will continue nominally at right-back – actually spending most of his time pushed high up.
Meanwhile on the left flank, with Ben Davies injured, Jan Vertonghen will keep his place and largely stay back to tuck in and create a back three.
Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld will marshal the centre of the back line.
Eric Dier, who was hooked early against Olympiakos, will continue his run of starts having returned to favour under Mourinho.
And he is likely to be joined in midfield by Tanguy Ndombele. The French international has been in and out of the team so far this season – but has looked excellent when fully fit in the middle.
Moussa Sissoko, having scored a rare goal on Saturday, will start again, protecting Serge Aurier defensively from midfield.
Dele Alli is on fire and will be urged to push up and get close to talismanic skipper Harry Kane.
And with Vertonghen largely staying back, Son Heung-min will have licence and space to hug the touchline down the left flank.
Erik Lamela remains sidelined by a pesky hamstring problem and won’t be involved.
Mourinho will have Lucas Moura, the man who scored a wonderful brace in this fixture last season, available from the bench – as well as the creative Giovani Lo Celso and wantaway Christian Eriksen.
Jose Mourinho says Manchester United is in his history book as Spurs prepare to take on the Red Devils
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
