Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford with Michael Carrick's side in desperate need of a Premier League victory. The Reds host the league's bottom-placed team, who remain winless this season under Roberto De Zerbi.
Team news and defensive selections
Carrick is without Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui, which simplifies his defensive choices. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are expected to continue as the preferred centre-back partnership, although Leny Yoro could push for a start following his performance for France during the international break.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are guaranteed starters. Mainoo withdrew from the England squad but has been training, so he should be available. The only question is who partners him.
Baleba's potential debut
Neither Youri Tielemans nor Andrey Santos has made the midfield position their own, which could benefit Carlos Baleba. The summer signing from Brighton is yet to make his debut, but Carrick appeared confident he is back to full fitness.
United will again be without Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian forward missed the trip to Fulham before the international break and withdrew from national team duty with a shin injury.
Predicted starting XI
With Sesko absent, Carrick must weigh up his attacking options. Amad has been training after missing every match this season, but having been out since August, starting him may be considered a risk. Bryan Mbeumo is likely to continue on the right, with Matheus Cunha in the false nine role and Marcus Rashford on the left flank.
United predicted XI vs Spurs: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Baleba, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.
