Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick faces one of his former clubs on Saturday lunchtime as Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford.

Since taking charge until the end of the season, Carrick has overseen a remarkable turnaround, guiding United to three consecutive wins — a feat achieved only once during Ruben Amorim’s 14-month spell. The Red Devils are now unbeaten under his leadership and firmly back in contention for Champions League qualification.

Tottenham, however, arrive in poor form. Thomas Frank’s side sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table and are without a league win in six matches. Despite their struggles, Spurs may draw confidence from their recent record against United, who have not beaten them in the league since October 2022, with three draws and three defeats in that period.

Across all competitions, United have gone eight games without a victory over Tottenham — their longest such run against any side this century apart from Chelsea between 2012 and 2017.

Spurs’ most recent outing ended in a creditable 2-2 draw against Manchester City, although they remain 11 points adrift of the Europa League places. The reverse fixture in November also finished 2-2, with late drama as Matthijs de Ligt scored in stoppage time for United.

Injury Concerns for Spurs

Tottenham will be without their leading scorer Richarlison, who remains sidelined through injury. The Brazilian, who has netted seven league goals this season, is joined on the treatment table by several key players, including Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Pedro Porro, Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso.

Dominic Solanke has been passed fit after a minor knock, while Micky van de Ven returns to the squad. Djed Spence faces a late fitness test.

United, meanwhile, are missing only Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount and De Ligt.

In-Form Attackers

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have been central to United’s revival, scoring eight and six goals respectively this season. Containing the pair will be vital if Spurs are to extend their unbeaten run against the Manchester club.

Despite earlier struggles under Amorim, United boast an impressive home record, having lost just twice in league matches at Old Trafford this season. Tottenham’s away form has been less convincing, with 19 points collected from 12 matches and no away win since December’s victory at Crystal Palace.

Set-pieces could also play a decisive role. United have scored 14 non-penalty goals from dead-ball situations, second only to Arsenal, with several coming from Bruno Fernandes’ deliveries. The Portuguese playmaker has already registered 12 assists — his joint-best league return.

History and Midfield Battle

Tottenham won 3-0 at Old Trafford last season but have never recorded consecutive league victories at the stadium since the Premier League began in 1992.

With United’s defence appearing more settled under Carrick, forwards such as Solanke and Xavi Simons will need to be at their best to breach the partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.

Much of the contest is expected to be decided in midfield, where Conor Gallagher and Joao Palhinha will face off against Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. Casemiro, who has confirmed he will leave United at the end of the season, has been in strong form, dominating duels and maintaining high passing accuracy in recent matches.

The renewed optimism around Old Trafford is likely to generate a vibrant atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the subdued mood earlier in the campaign.

Goals Expected

Goals are expected in a fixture that has not produced a goalless draw since December 2014. At least two goals have been scored in 18 of the meetings since then.

Victory for United would keep them fourth regardless of other results, while three points for Tottenham would lift them no higher than 13th but provide much-needed breathing space from the teams below.