Overview
After falling short of their targets last season, both Manchester United and Tottenham began the 2024-25 campaign with the main expectation of qualifying for the Champions League. However, after five rounds, neither team has emerged as a formidable force in the race for the top four.
With just seven points each, Man United and Spurs are 11th and 10th in the table respectively. Both Erik ten Hag and Ange Postecoglou have been under pressure this season, and if either of them were to lose this game, the criticism would only increase.
The Red Devils' expected goals (xG) total of 9.6 this season is the third highest in the Premier League, behind only title contenders Man City (11.46) and Liverpool (10.1). However, they have only scored 5 goals.
Only Southampton (2 goals from 7.1 xG) have a bigger negative goal difference in the league this season, although Man United have also been unlucky to face some excellent goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, since the start of last season in the Premier League, only Newcastle (53) and Brighton (47) have allowed opponents more quick counter-attacks than Tottenham (44, level with Man United). Therefore, Marcus Rashford's speed and agility can threaten Tottenham's defense.
After two consecutive defeats, the "Roosters" found their winning feeling again when they defeated Brentford 3-1. Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson and James Maddison scored after Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for the "Beets".
Since the start of last season, only Man City (31) have won more points from losing positions in the Premier League than Spurs' 28. Three days after the Brentford win, Tottenham needed two late goals to beat Coventry City in the Carabao Cup. The Europa League win over Qarabag also came with Spurs down to 10 men.
Postecoglou has warned there is no "quick fix" for Tottenham to compete at the top of the table, but improving their poor away form would be a good start.
Tottenham picked up 14 points from their first six Premier League away games under Postecoglou (W4 D2). However, they have picked up just 14 points from their next 15 away games (W3 D5 L7).
Head to head record
Man United have won 24 home games against Tottenham in the Premier League. However, Spurs are unbeaten in their last three Premier League games against the Red Devils, winning one and drawing two after losing four in a row from 2021 to 2022.
Man United have not lost at home to Spurs since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suffered a disastrous 6-1 defeat in October 2020. They have won two and drawn one of their three home games against the opposition under Ten Hag.
Score prediction
Man United and Tottenham are considered relatively balanced, with 41.1% and 34.9% winning rates respectively. Meanwhile, the remaining 24% is the possibility of the two teams drawing.
Prediction: Man United 2-2 Tottenham
The match between Man United and Tottenham takes place at 22:30 on September 29 (Vietnam time).
