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It’s safe to say each of Manchester United’s Premier League fixtures from now until the end of the term are must-wins.

They enter matchweek 26 in 15th place following last Sunday’s narrow defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, who completed a double over the Red Devils for the first-ever time in Premier League history.

Should United lose and West Ham overturn title-chasing Arsenal the following day, Ruben Amorim’s side could drop to 16th by the end of the weekend. Additionally, Everton could hold a four-point advantage over the Reds if they reign victorious on their home turf in Saturday’s early kick-off.

In regards to the personnel Amorim is likely to have at his disposal, fans are well aware that he’s navigating an injury-plagued squad. He confirmed that Amad Diallo will miss the remainder of the campaign along with Lisandro Martinez, who’s just undergone successful surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament.

Patrick Dorgu impresses in first full 90 as a Red

No player covered themself in glory in North London last time out. However, supporters have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly Patrick Dorgu has taken to Amorim’s system in his first two appearances for the club.

The winter signing played the full 90 minutes against Spurs and ended his shift with some pretty stellar stats to show for his efforts. He made 10 passes into the final third, five crosses and created two chances, demonstrating exactly what the boss demands from his wing-backs.

Dorgu also won 100 per cent of his tackles, eight duels and made one clearance.

Alas, you can expect he’ll retain his starting spot for the forthcoming trip to take on the in-form Toffees, which is followed by a home clash against relegation candidates Ipswich Town on Wednesday, February 26.

Manchester United return to Premier League action this Sunday following an eight-day rest after their FA Cup advancement.

The Reds left it late to seal their progression in their fourth-round cup clash against Leicester City, with Harry Maguire coming in clutch by heading home from Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick in the last play of the game. Fans will be hoping any victory this weekend is more straightforward – though they’ll ultimately take what they can get.

Last time out in the top flight saw United fall to a 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace, meaning they enter matchweek 25 in 13th place. A win in North London would not be enough for them to break their way into the top half of the table just yet, much to Ruben Amorim’s dismay.

Should Tottenham Hotspur reign victorious come the full-time whistle, they will overtake United by just one point.

United tipped to seal much-needed win at Spurs

Chris Sutton has shared his prediction for Sunday’s late kick-off (4.30pm) via his BBC Sport column, writing: “Tottenham demolished Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in September but that does not really have any bearing here.

“Spurs are getting players back from injury, and Timo Werner, James Maddison, and Guglielmo Vicario are among those training again, but how fit are they going to be for this game? Ange Postecoglou says his players are out on their feet, and we could see that in their FA Cup defeat at Aston Villa, so a lot depends on how much they have left in the tank.

“As for Manchester United, well, I’ve been reading reports this week that some of their players are unhappy with Ruben Amorim’s style of play. There is lots going on off the pitch, too, with stories that more redundancies are planned at the club following controversy over a rise in ticket prices.

“Who would have thought when Ineos completed their deal to take a stake in United 12 months ago that, within a year, they could possibly be as unpopular with fans as co-owners the Glazers are?

“In regards to Amorim, I just think he needs time. He arrived in mid-season, he has his way of playing and United will have to give him the players who fit that system, so it might take a window or two before we see him with the team he wants.

“There needs to be patience there, but we also know football fans are impatient. They want to see some improvement in the short term, and it is hard to argue they have made any progress since Amorim took charge.

“I still have a sneaky feeling they might edge this game, but I cannot really tell you what I am basing that on. This is a big game for Ange too – now his side is out of both domestic cups – but I am going with United, just.”

Still cautious of the fact Alejandro Garnacho could depart before Monday’s deadline, Manchester United have a few potential replacements in mind.

The Argentine livewire has attracted concrete interest from both Chelsea and Napoli, though only the latter went as far as making a £40 million bid, which was swiftly rebuffed by United.

As for the Blues’ pursuit, they’ve – for now – switched their attention to Bayern Munich wantaway Mathys Tel, who’s also said to be of interest to Ruben Amorim and Co.

Throughout the season, one name who’s regularly been brought up in conversations regarding United’s transfer targets is Tyler Dibling. Recent reports suggested he would be viewed as a like-for-like successor to Garnacho in the event the No.17, who has eight goals and five assists to his name this campaign, is offloaded.

United among mix for sought-after Dibling

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail has further verified that the Reds are on Dibling’s lengthy list of admirers – along with fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur.

The turmoil they’re currently enduring could force Daniel Levy’s hand into bolstering Ange Postecoglou’s options amidst a host of detrimental injuries across the squad, as Mokbel claims Spurs ‘would be open to signing the youngster this month’.

Hailed as ‘one of the best young talents in European football’, Dibling, 18, burst onto the scene this term and has been one bright spark during Southampton’s dismal return to the top flight. The Saints look certain to be dropping back down to the Championship come May, which would make it incredibly difficult for them to keep hold of their sought-after prospect.

A summer move would undoubtedly suit United more, too, as they don’t have the funds available to match the attacker’s valuation this month.

Erik ten Hag may be returning to England’s top flight much sooner than he – or any Manchester United fans – expected.

Indeed, Fichajes claims the Dutch coach is being mooted as a potential successor to the under-pressure Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham Hotspur’s recent defeat to relegation candidates Leicester City left them 15th-placed in the table.

While the source isn’t the most reputable out there, the prospect of Ten Hag taking the reins in North London actually isn’t that far out of the realm of possibility; he was approached by Daniel Levy and Co. in 2021 before the board opted to recruit Nuno Espirito Santo.

Tottenham have scheduled a ‘direct meeting’ with Erik ten Hag. He’s among the candidates to become the new Spurs manager – ten Hag is open to leave Ajax in the summer. Nothing decided yet. ⚪️ #THFC #Spurs

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 28, 2021

They wouldn’t have been left too optimistic by what they saw of Ten Hag in the Premier League with United. However, a club notorious for their tedious wait for silverware would think highly of a manager who was able to win two trophies in his first two seasons in England, with the Reds’ Carabao Cup triumph in 2023 ending a six-year drought in M16.

Ten Hag waiting in the wings with Spurs in turmoil

For now, Postecoglou will be given time to make amends following such a turbulent period, which has seen Spurs claim just one point in their last seven matches.

The side travel to Anfield on February 6 for the second leg of their League Cup semi-final with a 1-0 lead to protect, and the game currently looks pivotal for the Australian’s future. Should Tottenham exit the competition that night, you’d imagine Levy would be quick to pull the plug on another manager’s tenure.

Since being sacked by INEOS chiefs at the end of October, Ten Hag has also been linked with Bundesliga strugglers Borussia Dortmund, though the transfer package to bring him to the Westfalenstadion has been deemed ‘too expensive’, per Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg.

🚨⚫️🟡 There were new considerations and discussions today, but Erik ten Hag will NOT become the head coach of Borussia Dortmund at this time.

The transfer package is currently too expensive for Dortmund, and he remains on Manchester United’s payroll. #MUFC

Instead, #BVB are in… pic.twitter.com/8I87lRgI6i

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 22, 2025

Among the host of clubs mulling over a move for Marcus Rashford this month is a surprise suitor in the form of Manchester United’s Premier League rivals.

Indeed, Tottenham Hotspur are said to have established their interest in the ‘unsettled’ forward by joining AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Monaco in the race, according to Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail.

Barcelona have also been informed of Rashford’s situation, with reports from Spain suggesting they’re ready to go ‘all out’ for him on a half-season loan deal; their precarious financial situation means a permanent transfer mid-campaign is near impossible.

Talks have already been held between Milan and Rashford’s agent, Dwaine Maynard, leading some fans to believe the Serie A giants are front-runners as things stand.

United have under three weeks to resolve Rashford’s situation

Should the 27-year-old be omitted from Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Arsenal, it’ll mark the seventh straight game that he has been uninvolved, having last featured for the club on December 12 in a Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen.

When pressed on Rashford’s future at the club and whether he could return to Old Trafford after a prospective loan deal, Ruben Amorim told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “We will see, guys! Let’s focus on the game. They are available, and they are training. We will see the selection for this game – but you have to focus just on playing the next game.”

Expectedly, the boss has – and will – remain tight-lipped on the matter, though that’s not to say there aren’t discussions taking place behind the scenes. The prospect of Rashford staying and being restored to the fold in the coming weeks remains on the table, especially after his £325,000-a-week wages have proven to be a stumbling block for several interested clubs.

Manchester United booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this evening, courtesy of a 5-2 win over Leicester City.

Goals from Casemiro (x2), Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes (x2) saw the Reds cruise past Leicester despite their two attempts at inspiring a comeback through Bilal El Khannouss and Conor Coady.

Tonight’s game may well be Ruud van Nistelrooy’s only match in the dugout, and if so, it’s certainly a way to make a statement in case he ever needs to be called upon again.

Shortly after the full-time whistle, Director of Sport Sir Dave Brailsford confirmed to supporters outside Old Trafford that Ruben Amorim’s prospective move to United was a ‘done’ deal. It comes after three days of constant negotiations between all parties, with all signs pointing towards the 39-year-old being Erik ten Hag’s long-term successor.

Amorim’s first shot at silverware will be the EFL Cup

While Amorim may have to complete a notice period of around 30 days, Brailsford’s words will surely be music to fans’ ears. He was INEOS’ first-choice candidate to take the reins following Ten Hag’s turbulent tenure, and they were incredibly efficient in getting an agreement over the line within hours of starting negotiations.

As such, he will be in the dugout for the Reds’ last-eight cup tie. They were drawn away to Tottenham Hotspur tonight, who had just knocked out Manchester City after a 2-1 win on home soil.

Elsewhere, Liverpool will face Southampton away, Arsenal will host Crystal Palace and Newcastle United host Brentford. The ties will be played from the week commencing December 16, giving Amorim ample time to get to grips with the squad at his disposal and, ideally, implement his play style.

Spurs have endured a mixed start to the Premier League season thus far, having won four, lost four and drawn once in their opening nine matches.

Manchester United left fans deflated after another 3-0 loss at Old Trafford this season with a poor performance against Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was looking for an inspired performance to use this game as a platform to turn the club’s form around.

However, it was a horrendous performance with the visiting Spurs side dominant before the red card to Bruno Fernandes.

Going in at the break 1-0 down with 10 men, there was a slight hope that the former Ajax manager’s side could make it hard for Tottenham and scrape an equaliser.

However, those hopes were soon dashed as Dejan Kulusevski doubled the visitor’s lead two minutes into the second half.

Dominic Solanke clinched Tottenham’s third goal in the 77th minute.

It is a difficult performance for Manchester supporters to endure and they will be hoping for a better showing in Portugal midweek against FC Porto.

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur player ratings

Andre Onana -5- Saved a couple of 1v1s to prevent further goals.

Noussair Mazraoui- 4 – Tried to battle but struggled with the pace of Timo Werner.

Matthijs De Ligt – 4 –Struggled to stop Micky Van de Ven for the first goal. Had a tough task with 10 men.

Lisandro Martinez – 4 –Struggled to impose himself on the game and prevent Spurs chances.

Diogo Dalot – 3 – Dalot was unable to deal with wingers on the right wing and gave away possession easily on numerous occasions.

Manuel Ugarte – 4– A tough afternoon on his first start in the Premier League, was unable to deal with James Maddison who was able to find space to create chances for the visitors.

Kobbie Mainoo – 4 – A difficult afternoon for the young midfielder, before being taken off through injury.

Bruno Fernandes – 3- A very frustrated figure who added to the misery of the performance after being sent off for a late challenge on Maddison.

Marcus Rashford – 3- Rashford was unable to affect the game in attack. A tough afternoon for the winger.

Alejandro Garnacho – 4- Attempted to be creative and kept running at the Spurs’ defence in a tough game after being down to 10 men.

Joshua Zirkzee – 3- A quiet afternoon for the summer signing who was unable to link up play in attack.

Subs:

Casemiro – 4- A tough ask being brought on in the second half, was solid in possession.

Christian Eriksen – 4 – A difficult task to come on but struggled to create.

Amad Diallo – N/A

Heung-min Son could be a doubt for Tottenham’s trip to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur breezed past Qarabag FK with a 3-0 win in the Europa League on Thursday night, despite being reduced to 10 men for most of the match.

Spurs were forced to play with a man down after Radu Dragusin, deputising for the suspended Cristian Romero, was shown a straight red card after seven minutes.

It was still a good way for Ange Postecoglou’s side to prepare for Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford, where they will take on Manchester United in the Premier League.

United go into the game after two consecutive draws. The most recent coming in the Europa League on Wednesday night against FC Twente as Erik ten Hag’s side threw away a 1-goal lead against his former club.

Tottenham have injury concern ahead of Manchester United trip

Heung-min Son curling effort that was saved by Qarabag’s goalkeeper was rebounded by Dominic Solanke, who made it 3-0.

However, Son appeared to sustain an injury during the passage of play after pulling up and requiring treatment before before hauled off.

The South Korean captain was replaced with Timo Werner coming on in his place.

Tottenham are expected to provide an update on Son in the coming days before they travel to United in the league for Sunday’s big game.

Manchester United are adding more players to Marc Skinner’s team.

Celin Bizet has travelled to Marbella with Manchester United’s women’s team after completing a transfer from Tottenham, according to the Daily Mail.

The Reds triggered a £60,000 release clause in Bizet’s contract before she passed her medical on Sunday.

Bizet, who represents Norway on the international stage, had a year left on her contract having joined Spurs in 2022 from Paris Saint-Germain.

Aged 22, Bizet can play in a variety of attacking positions including either way. She made 20 appearances in the Women’s Super League last season and recorded four goals.

Bizet is United’s sixth summer signing after the arrivals of Dominique Janssen, Elisabeth Terland, Anna Sandberg, Simi Awujo and Melvine Malard.

The women’s team has also waved goodbye to several important players over the summer, so it will be intriguing to see if they can build on last season’s underwhelming league form under Marc Skinner. Those departures include Katie Zelem, Mary Earps, Gemma Evans and Irene Guerrero.

In Skinner’s defence, however, the women’s team won their first major honour last season when they lifted the FA Cup at Wembley.

Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton has won the PFA Young Player of the Year award following a season-long loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

Clinton fended off competition from several talented stars, including Manchester United team-mate Maya Le Tissier, to win the prize. The other candidates were Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren James, Khiara Keating and Jesse Park.

However, Clinton’s performances were not in a Red shirt. She spent last season on loan at Tottenham, making eight-goal contributions as they finished sixth in the WSL.

The midfielder’s performance earned her a place in the England squad as she made her debut against Austria.

United are likely to keep Clinton as part of Marc Skinner’s squad this season.

Speaking the PFA awards, Clinton said: “It’s such an honour to be voted by the unbelievable players that play in this league. It’s the best league in the world…

“To go out on loan, learning as a young player and being recognised is lovely. I’ve played with confidence and when you play with that then you see the best version of a player.

“Tottenham have been a massive part of my journey, and I can’t thank them enough.”

She added: “Goals and visualisation are important to me but most of all just enjoying playing. If I’m enjoying myself then I play my best football.”

Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton is the PFA WSL Young Player of the Year!

The 21-year-old scored four goals during an impressive loan spell with Tottenham last season. #MUWomen pic.twitter.com/l8kCpXcG2F

— Hits Radio News | Manchester (@hitsmcrnews) August 20, 2024

Tottenham reached the FA Cup final, but Clinton was unable to play due to being ineligible against her parent club at Wembley. United’s women team won their first major honour that day in what was a memorable occasion for Skinner’s side.

Skinner will be aiming for a stronger WSL campaign this time around.