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Manchester United vs Tottenham – Combined XI

Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend as the top-four rivals go head-to-head at Old Trafford.

Each have started the season with stutters and will be keen to respond with a statement result to boost their Champions League hopes.

Ahead of the contest, we’ve selected our combined XI from the two squads.

Manchester United vs Tottenham – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario – Tottenham

The battle between the number ones could be a big factor in which side succeeds this weekend. Each has had their critics of late, though Guglielmo Vicario earns the nod in our team over Andre Onana. The Italian’s vulnerability from set-pieces has been an issue but the Spurs shot-stopper is capable of spectacular saves. Onana’s unorthodox goalkeeping has too often given Manchester United the frights.

 Right-back: Pedro Porro – Tottenham

After a tough start at Tottenham, Pedro Porro has evolved into one of the most effective full-backs in the Premier League. The Spaniard scored three goals and laid on seven assists during an impressive 2023/24 campaign, in which he ranked among the Premier League’s top 10 players for progressive passes, crosses, touches, tackles won and blocks.

Centre-back: Cristian Romero – Tottenham

The defensive leader of Ange Postecoglou’s team, Cristian Romero has been a rock for club and country in recent years. A ferocious competitor with progression on the ball, he sits fifth in the Premier League this season for passes into the final third and through balls, including a wonderful pass in the build-up to James Maddison’s goal last weekend.

For Argentina, Romero has won more major tournaments (3) than he has lost games (2) since his debut in 2021.

Centre-back: Micky van de Ven – Tottenham

Spurs boast one of the best centre-back pairings in the league in terms of individual ability, with Micky van de Ven a fine complement for the aforementioned Romero. The Dutch defender’s athleticism is a brilliant accompaniment for Romero’s aggression, with Van de Ven boasting a blend of strength, size and speed. He’s been a superb addition in North London and deservedly claimed the club’s Player of the Season award in 2023/24.

Left-back: Diogo Dalot – Manchester United

From one club champion to another, Diogo Dalot scooped Manchester United’s Player of the Year accolade at the club’s end-of-season awards last term. The Portugal international has developed from an exciting but vulnerable option to a well-rounded full-back, sitting among the Premier League leaders for dribblers tackled and interceptions last season. This season Dalot has deputised at left-back in the absence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Midfield: Rodrigo Bentancur – Tottenham

An under-appreciated asset outside of North London, Rodrigo Bentancur’s game is often applauded by the Spurs supporters. The Uruguayan is a mix of elegance and dynamism, balancing out Postecoglou’s engine room with press resistance and work rate.

Injuries have held the 27-year-old back in a Spurs shirt but, when fit and on song, he can be crucial to his team.

Midfield: Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes divides opinions with the midfielder’s high-risk style frustrating some. The numbers, however, are almost unmatched when it comes to chance creation. Fernandes has led the Premier League for chances created in three of the last four seasons and ranked second in the only campaign he did not sit at the summit.

Midfield: James Maddison – Tottenham

James Maddison might just be one of the most watchable players in the Premier League at his best. At ease slaloming around challenges and floating around the final third, he has been a fine fit for a Tottenham team that often cherishes care-free heroes.

After an injury derailed his campaign last season and saw Maddison miss out on Euro 2024, he has started 2024/25 with a point to prove.

Right-wing: Alejandro Garnacho – Manchester United

Part of a collection of young talent, alongside Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro, that suggests the future could be bright for Manchester United. Garnacho scored 10 goals in all competitions last season in a breakout year for the Red Devils, including a crucial goal in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City at Wembley.

The Argentine has started the new season in good form, with four goals and three assists in eight appearances across all competitions.

Left-wing: Son Heung-min – Tottenham

Son Heung-min remains the most reliable avenue to goal for Spurs with the South Korean one of the finest finishers in the division. The 32-year-old has now hit 164 goals in 408 games for the North London side, enough to place him fifth among the club’s all-time leading scorers.

He’s scored 10+ league goals in eight straight seasons for Spurs.

Forward: Dominic Solanke – Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou broke Tottenham’s transfer record to sign Dominic Solanke in the summer, as Spurs sought a long-term replacement for Harry Kane. A return of 19 league goals at Bournemouth last season suggested Solanke had started to fulfil the potential first seen as a youngster progressing through the Chelsea academy.

The 27-year-old works intensely and has found his confidence around the penalty box. He’s ahead of the raw Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee – for now.

Read – Manchester United vs Tottenham – Predicted lineup and team news

See more – Spurs XI vs Manchester United – Predicted lineup and team news

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