Spurs will look to take advantage of a needed full week’s rest when they welcome Manchester United to London at 4:30 p.m. on February 16 in a battle of underperforming giants. Ange Postecoglou has spent seven days reflecting on two disappointing cup exits to Liverpool and Aston Villa. Here is our Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup in a big game for two under-pressure managers.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup Vs Manchester United For Feb. 16
How Tottenham Hotspur Have Lined Up Recently
Antonin Kinsky has started his career in England as Spurs’ number 1. However, with Guglielmo Vicario back in training this week, the 21-year-old will likely have to settle for a bench role for the rest of the season. The young goalkeeper gave a good account of himself, making 2.8 saves per game compared to the Italian’s 2.4.
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In defence, new signing Kevin Danso has had a rough start to his Tottenham career. In two games, his team have conceded six goals. His struggles were evident at Villa Park, the 26-year-old won just two of his seven duels. Tottenham’s defenders have been the standouts in defence recently, with Pedro Porro and Djed Spence both impressing against Villa. The returning Destiny Udogie will have to work hard to get back into the side.
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An area that would’ve benefitted massively from the free mid-week, Tottenham’s midfield should look rejuvenated against Manchester United. Lucas Bergvall has played the most football of his short career over the past few months. The 18-year-old has gradually shown his fatigue, winning just 50% of his duels against Villa. Rodrigo Bentancur was brilliant in Spurs’ last Premier League win but as the runners around him have tired, he’s been left exposed defensively.
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Dejan Kulusevski was Tottenham’s best player at Villa Park, assisting Mathys Tel’s first goal for the club. With Dominic Solanke still out for a few weeks, Spurs will hope their new striker can hit the ground running in his first Premier League match. Mikey Moore was given his second Premier League start against Villa but was substituted after a difficult first half.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Recent Form and Tactics
Despite all the injuries, Spurs have stuck to their tried and tested 4-2-3-1 system. Now, with players returning from injury, their role players are battle-tested and more prepared to impact games from the bench. Postecoglou could have changed to have a more defensive system and got better results. However, his side would’ve struggled to revert to their original style and everything he had built would be torn down.
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Tottenham had started to build form before they crashed out of the cups. They finally won their first Premier League match of 2025 with an impressive away win over Brentford – and secured their place in the Europa League round of 16 by beating Hoffenheim and Elfsborg. Against a Manchester United side that is only one place ahead of the Lilywhites in the league, Spurs will look to make a statement.
Injuries and Suspension To Consider
Postecoglou finally received some good injury news this week. Vicario, James Maddison, Udogie, Wilson Odobert, and Brennan Johnson, all returned to training. The former two are good to go this weekend and will add some much-needed quality and depth to Spurs’ squad. The latter three are likely to be given a few more sessions before they return to action.
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Spurs will still be without Radu Dragusin (knee), Micky van de Ven (thigh), Timo Werner (thigh), Cristian Romero (thigh), Richarlison (calf), and Solanke (knee) for the visit of the Red Devils.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup Vs Manchester United
GK: Guglielmo Vicario
LB: Djed Spence
CB: Kevin Danso
CB: Archie Gray
RB: Pedro Porro
CM: Lucas Bergvall
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur
AM: James Maddison
RW: Dejan Kulusevski
LW: Mathys Tel
ST: Heung-min Son