Mourinho's men on a mission
Jose Mourinho welcomes Mauricio Pochettino and his Spurs side to The Theatre of Dreams this evening with critics circling on Man. United following an utterly forgettable display at Brighton last weekend. It’ll be the stuff of nightmares for the Portuguese should Tottenham maintain their 100% start to the season, a scenario those within Old Trafford will not bear thinking about. Not least Mourinho.
Manchester United
We’re only three weeks in but this is match has already been dubbed a ‘must-win’ for Man. United. Quite a statement so early on but with Chelsea, Liverpool and fierce neighbours Man. City already racking up the points, it’s true that another slip-up so early on could prove fatal in terms of any potential title challenge from the red side of Manchester.
One positive for Mourinho and the club’s army of supporters is that it can’t get any worse. Last weekend was as bad a United performance seen for some time; conceding three in a first half for only the tenth time in their Premier League history highlighted such. For as good as Brighton were, the visitors stunk the place out and were certainly flattered to lose by an eventual 3-2 scoreline.
Mourinho will be all too aware that the 3 points is the only thing that matters.
The much talked about display led to Paul Pogba claiming his side’s attitude simply wasn’t right, a hint perhaps they underestimated their opponents. But surely there’s no such chance of this happening tonight. Old Trafford, known for any number of big nights under the lights, has proved to help United over the line on many occasions and could be a key factor in deciding the game.
Who knows, if it comes with a swash-buckling performance to match, then perhaps we will even see the unhappy one crack a smile. In truth though, Mourinho will be all too aware that the 3 points is the only thing that matters.
Tottenham
Spurs have plenty of off-field problems to trouble them regarding their new stadium but two wins from two represents a solid start on the pitch at least. Both Newcastle and Fulham proved stubborn opposition but Pochettino’s side will face their real big test of the season tonight, not least due to a poor record against fellow top 6 opposition which has seen them win just two of their last 18 fixtures on the road, the last at Stamford Bridge in April.
If Spurs genuinely harbour any ambition of winning a first league championship since 1961 then winning at the home of title rivals is something this young side are going to have to get the knack of. And quickly too with the majority of their opening ten games likely to be away as the new stadium nears completion.
Pochettino is likely to be content with a point
A victory will signal a strong statement of intent from Spurs and see them join early pacesetters Liverpool, Chelsea and, surprisingly, Watford, at the top of the league standings, and it’s unlikely they’ll have as good a chance of improving their away day blues with the hosts having a poor time of it.
Ultimately though, Pochettino is likely to be content with a point, an outcome which preserves their unbeaten record whilst maintaining momentum. Less than this and Pochettino may be the one who begins to come under fire.
Head-to-head
Spurs have failed to score a single goal in their last four league matches at Old Trafford, a run that includes 3 defeats. Their last success came in 2014, back when United were having similar managerial issues under David Moyes and Spurs were led by Tim Sherwood and his iconic gilet.
The win backed up a 3-2 success they posted the year previous in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final campaign. In truth though, Spurs have a shocking record in this fixture, losing 21 times in all, this the most by any away team at a single stadium in Premier League History.
Match Tip
Recent head-to-head form suggests United have a slight advantage but in light of their start, a home win isn’t so certain and Spurs will arrive full of beans following their 100% start so far. This said, United do have a habit of rising to the occasion and proving critics wrong, as they did so emphatically in the comeback derby win at the Etihad last year. Backs to the wall then, I expect them to show the same courage tonight and secure a massive three points.
I’ve gone for a Man. United +0 AH win at odds of 8/11 (1.74) with Unibet (money back if it’s a draw).
Bet Man United +0 to win AH (money back with a draw) on Unibet
Post bet chat Nick's Tips:
After a fairly even first half in which Jose Mourinho would've expected Romelu Lukaku, nine times out of ten, to stroke the ball into an open goal, Spurs hit a quickfire second half double to take full control of proceedings at Old Trafford. It remains to be seen how such a damaging defeat will affect Man. United and the managerial dugout in particular.