Manchester United take on Tottenham at Old Trafford in the Premier League this evening. United entered the international break in 12th position following an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, which meant Michael Carrick had taken just five points from the Reds' opening five games.
A string of poor results has increased the pressure on Carrick, who will be desperate for his team to hit the ground running when they return to domestic action today. Tottenham are bottom of the top flight having failed to score in all but one of their league games this season, and they entered the international break on the back of a 3-2 defeat at home to Aston Villa.
Team news and how to watch
Regarding the team news, Amad, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford should be available after training. However, Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu have been ruled out, while Noussair Mazraoui is also set to miss out.
Today's game will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 5pm with kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm.
Last time out and Carrick doubts
United drew 1-1 with Fulham before the international break, a result that offered little reassurance to supporters after defeats to Manchester City in the Premier League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup. United surged into a two-goal lead against Brighton but collapsed in the second half. Although Carrick needed a win against Fulham to quell the noise, his team could only salvage a point at Craven Cottage after conceding first.
Carrick retains the backing of the majority of the fanbase, but United hero Paul Ince believes that his appointment risked repeating the history of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's stint as manager.
"When they had a chance to get Mauricio Pochettino in, they didn't," Ince said. "They ended up taking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and giving him a contract, and we saw what happened there."
"I hope we're not falling down the same path here with Carrick coming in last year, after losing his job at Middlesbrough, and getting a permanent contract, with the team not performing and being very up and down."
Ferguson memoir and match build-up
When United announced their plans to move into a new 100,000-seater stadium, Sir Alex Ferguson found himself wondering whether he would still be "around" to celebrate its opening. In an extract from his memoir, Games of My Life, Ferguson wrote: "I'm not one to dwell on what my Maker has in store for me, nor am I afraid of dying. Yet, every now and again, death crosses my mind."
"I hope they get to break ground quickly, because if it takes five years to complete, I'll be pushing ninety," the extract continues. "However, I know I'll be at the ceremony one way or another - in person or spirit."
Spurs have made a worse start to the campaign, though. Despite spending £334m over the summer, Tottenham are bottom of the league and have failed to score in all but one of their league matches.
