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Manchester United will host Tottenham on Monday night in this season’s first big match at Old Trafford. After facing a humiliating defeat against Brighton, this match means more than what it may have been otherwise, to the manager, players, and supporters.
One match does not decide the fate of the season, but this match can bring Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United back to winning ways, and ease the pressure on the Portuguese manager whose job seems to be in a precarious situation.
Here are 5 things Manchester United must do in order to get all 3 points against The Lilywhites.
#1 Let bygones be bygones
Manchester United have had a difficult start to the season with speculations of increasing negativity at the club during preseason. Mourinho’s demeanour in press conferences have made things appear worse.
Things such as the absence of star players due to World Cup commitments, and a list full of injuries hampered Man Utd's preseason preparations. Jose also openly admitted that he wanted a good centre back before this season’s transfer deadline, that did not happen.
But there is no point crying over spilled milk, Jose does not have time to think about what may have, or should have happened. He and his players must go all out with what’s in their hands.
Liverpool and Manchester City’s summer spending makes things look worse, but Jose has a set of players with whom he finished second only a couple of months ago.
Bailly and Lindelof had a nightmare at the Falmer stadium on Sunday. Their individual mistakes cost Manchester United three points. But this duo is perhaps the best possible combination of centre backs at Jose's disposal, he is likely to go with the same names on Monday.
They must ready themselves to face tougher opponents in Harry Kane and Lucas. It will also be interesting to see if Mourinho will want to go with three at the back like he did last season in a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
#2 Get Matic in heart of midfield
Matic is one of the senior players who missed most of the preseason due to the World Cup, and later due to injury. His absence was severely felt when Fred and Pereira struggled to do their defensive duties.
Matic has been training well for a week, and Jose Mourinho will be desperate to start him against Spurs. The Serbian is Jose’s chosen warrior, and one of the most reliable players at the club. His defensive and ball retaining abilities will be crucial while facing the likes of Eriksen and Dele Alli.
#3 Valencia must replace Young at RB
Young was one of many poor performers against Brighton. He played in an unusual right back position, and failed miserably. Young did enough defensively to keep Jose satisfied, but that certainly doesn’t make his manager happy.
Jose likes his orthodox right backs to attack when the opportunity arises. Young is more than capable of doing that, but on the left. Jose will be happy to see his skipper Valencia back in training, and he should certainly be his first choice right back on Monday.
It will be interesting to see whether Jose Mourinho goes with Shaw or Young on the left. Luke Shaw picked up a minor foot injury in training earlier this week.
#4 Lingard or Rashford as right winger
Tottenham play with three at the back, and manager Mauricio Pochettino likes his wing backs Trippier and Davis to attack more often than not.
Mourinho would like to have more hardworking wingers who can track back when needed. Lingard seems the likely option to replace Juan Mata who has seen a slow start to the season.
Rashford may also be a viable attacking option for Jose.
#5 Play to win instead of play not to lose
Jose has been heavily criticised for sitting back after taking the lead, even in home matches. This has come back to haunt the team many times, even costing them crucial points last season.
Man Utd must have a fast start to the game, and try to score as early as possible. Having a defensive approach against a team like Spurs may not guarantee all three points for Jose Mourinho. Anything apart from three points certainly increases the pressure on the Portuguese.
Whatever teams both managers decide to go with, the game will certainly will be a cracker.
