Tottenham Hotspur handed fitness updates on key Manchester United trio ahead of PL clash
According to The Telegraph (Subscription Required) and Manchester Evening News, Tottenham Hotspur have received fitness updates on a key Manchester United trio ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend. The match is set to take place at Old Trafford this Saturday as both teams look to finish in the top-four.
Man United have some injury concerns coming into this game, handing Tottenham somewhat of a boost in the process. Ronaldo, who missed the 4-1 loss to Manchester City last Sunday is yet to return to training and looks set to miss today’s session as well due to a hip flexor problem. There are growing doubts about his availability on Saturday after it was decided on Tuesday that he would not engage in the team drills.
Luke Shaw is also on the same boat as Ronaldo, having missed today’s training sessions after contracting Covid-19. However, Raphael Varane did make a comeback as he recovered from the coronavirus and was seen returning to Carrington to take part with his teammates.
A crucial fixture
Ronaldo’s absence would no doubt be a major boost for us despite his recent run of poor form. After all, the talisman has shown time and time again that he is capable of turning the tide single-handedly. With the 37-year-old believed to have missed today’s training as well, he could seriously be doubtful for Saturday’s game.
Shaw’s absence will also be a big blow for the Red Devils since he has been their starting left-back before testing positive for the virus. Alex Telles has come in for the Englishman but has not fared well in recent fixtures. That could potentially be an area where we could take advantage of should our attackers hit their stride.
As for Varane, Ralf Rangnick’s side would really be helped by his return following the disappointing defensive performance against Man City. His impact on their team can be summed up by this one stat – Man United have not lost with Harry Maguire and him together on the pitch.
We will certainly need to put an end to that run if Varane does end up playing against us in the league fixture. After all, a win could really strengthen our prospects of a top-four finish this term, while also denting the Red Devils’ chances of doing so themselves.
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Man United are there for the taking and the onus will be on us to not freeze under pressure. However, we should not overlook their quality since they beat us 3-0 in the reverse fixture in the midst of even worse form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Then again, our own circumstances were dire under then boss, Nuno Espirito Santo.
We have failed to build momentum in the past six matches as we followed up a victory with a subsequent loss. The players cannot allow that run to continue if we have ambitions to get into the UEFA Champions League next term. Let’s hope to see another impressive display from the players just as they did against Everton.
