Manchester United - Tottenham

This is no longer a Manchester United in limbo. Since Michael Carrick took over, the expression has changed significantly. There is more structure, more calm – but at the same time more sting. The results have followed suit, and perhaps most importantly: the performances have begun to resemble a team with a clear plan.

Tottenham come to Old Trafford in a completely different mood. There have been inconsistent performances, a disappointing table position, and Thomas Frank is not exactly sitting on a rock. This is a match where the momentum points one way – but the quality of both teams means that this still smells of goals.

Manchester United - clearer identity

Under Carrick, United have become more compact without the ball and more direct with it. They don't need to dominate possession to dominate chances. The counter-attack has become more patterned and the pace of transitions is higher.

Bruno Fernandes has once again been given a freer role in the middle, Kobbie Mainoo provides balance centrally, and with Lisandro Martínez back in form, the central defence looks far safer. It's not a United that plays spectacularly all the time – but it's a team that seems more comfortable in the game.

At the same time, it is still a team that both creates and allows. They have offensive numbers that place them among the most productive in the league, and their games often fluctuate.

Tottenham - quality but turmoil

Tottenham have quality in the team, there's no doubt about that. With players like Solanke and Simons, they always have the capacity to decide games. Romero and van de Ven give them more stability at the back when they are available.

But the overall picture has not been stable. Spurs have had periods where they have lost control of the game, conceded too many chances and been punished in transition. In addition, there has been internal noise and increasing pressure around Thomas Frank.

This is not a Tottenham team travelling to Manchester to park the bus. They will try to play – and that opens up space.

The battle scene

United under Carrick thrive in games that have a bit of pace and momentum. Tottenham are a team that rarely plays 90 minutes with control. This gives us a picture of a match where both teams are likely to have their periods.

United at home will press at times. Spurs have enough quality to punish them if they get too open. It's hard to imagine a deadlocked and goalless affair here.

Conclusion

United is in better form. Tottenham still has offensive qualities. Both teams rarely play boring 0–0 games.

This smells like a goal – and a settlement that will last a long time.

Bet suggestions

Premier League At 13:30 Manchester United - Tottenham: Over 2.5 goals + both teams score (1.70)

Alternative game:

United to score in both halves (2.05)

BetBuilder:

Over 2.5 goals + over 8.5 corners + goals in both halves (2.70)