Having been dumped out of the FA Cup by Arsenal on Monday, Manchester United take on Tottenham on Sunday knowing that a Champions League place is all they have left to play for. Both clubs boast an identical record in the last six games and have both been dumped out of a cup competition recently. Although their last meeting finished goalless, games between the two sides have usually produced plenty of goals and another enthralling game is in prospect at Old Trafford.
Here are the three key battles that will decide whether United kick off their run of games with a win or whether Spurs will continue their winning run in the league.
Louis Van Gaal vs Mauricio Pochettino
There is a fine line between flexibility and stubbornness to learn from their mistakes and so far this season Van Gaal has come across as arrogant and clueless rather than revolutionary and innovative. Pochettino on the other hand has made the most of his resources, finally got the big signings playing like they should, brought through youngsters from the academy, all the while being within touching distance of a Champions League spot.
Although the Red Devils have won four of their last six league games and have lost just twice since the turn of the year, they have struggled to convince anyone with their performances. Spurs on the other hand have shown plenty of spirit and endeavour and are looking like a side who knows what they are doing. Van Gaal’s insistence on playing different formations hasn’t helped and suspensions will now mean that the side will once again have to be tweaked. If the Argentine can capitalise on this and get at United, he will register a win that will bring his side even closer to a Champions League spot.
David De Gea vs Hugo Lloris
With the arrival of Thibaut Courtois to Chelsea, many thought that the world’s best keeper has finally come to England. While the Belgian has certainly impressed, he isn’t one of the two best keepers in the league this team. That honour goes to Messrs De Gea and Lloris who have kept their team in the Champions League race and have proved their doubters wrong.
With 9 league clean sheets, the Spaniard sits in fifth place in the clean sheet table. Although the Frenchman isn’t in the top 10, he is one of the main reasons why Tottenham have been able to win so many games in the final few minutes. With both sides so evenly matched, one goal might be all it takes to win the game and with two of the best keepers in the league, that certainly isn’t going to be an easy task.
Wayne Rooney vs Harry Kane
Given the considerable quality of riches that England have in the striking department, it is somewhat surprising to note that the best English striker at the moment is one that has never represented his country at the senior level. Harry Kane wrapped up his second Player of the Month award in February and has without a doubt been the find of the season. His goals have kept his side in the hunt for a Champions League spot and he will be hoping to impress Roy Hodgson on Sunday as he goes up against his compatriot and England captain Wayne Rooney.
After being pushed into central midfield earlier in the season, Rooney’s return to striking duties has coincided with the stark increase in his goal tally. While Kane might have scored more goals, Rooney has once again showed that he is the best finisher at his club. As the club’s leading scorer, the striker has shown that while he is a rare example of a complete attacker, he is put to best use up front. And the duel between England’s present and future will certainly have a prominent bearing on the outcome of the game.