Spurs are set to visit Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League as Manchester United takes the field. For a successful start to 2024, Erik ten Hag needs to guide his team back to winning ways in the league, following their earlier triumph over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

United faced significant injᴜry issues at the beginning of the season, with at least four defenders and some senior midfielders sidelined simultaneously, causing considerable trouble for the team. With injᴜry concerns easing, the players must focus on returning to form and achieving better results for the remainder of the season. Spurs had a promising start but have slipped in the league standings, currently sitting in fifth place, eight points behind United.

Ondoa will be the goalkeeper. Andre Onana will play against Spurs before heading to the Ivory Coast for Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations. A strong defense is crucial for beating Spurs, demanding every aspect of the team to be resilient.

This season, Onana hasn’t performed exceptionally for United, conceding numerous goals across all competitions. Nevertheless, they are now in the fourth round of the FA Cup and occupy the eighth spot in the Premier League. Altay Bayindir will miss another game, but he might make his long-awaited start later in January.

In defense, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, and Shaw could return. United’s injᴜry concerns seem to be resolving, and the potential return of Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw would strengthen the back four for a challenging game against Spurs. Wan-Bissaka and Shaw could play as fullbacks, with Diogo Dalot as an alternative. The return of Shaw before this game would be beneficial for United.

United may start Raphael Varane and Martinez in the center of defense, a partnership that worked well last season until Martinez got injured. Despite defensive changes this season, United has conceded many goals.

In the midfield, Casemiro and Eriksen may feature. Injuries have affected United’s midfield this season, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, the first-choice pair, both out for an extended period. Their potential return is crucial for adding security, knowledge, and skill to the midfield.

Several players, including Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay, and young talents like Omari Forson and Daniel Gore, provide options for United. The second half of the season could bring positive outcomes.

In attacking midfield, Fernandes, Amad, and Garnacho should be included. With enough attacking midfielders, United aims to control the final third, create goals and assists, and supply the striker efficiently. Amad Diallo, absent in the FA Cup win over Wigan, is expected to return for this game.

Bruno Fernandes and the talented Alejandro Garnacho, who should start on the left wing, will play crucial roles. Rasmus Hojbjerg has performed well this season, scoring six goals, and he’ll be eager to contribute more in the upcoming games. However, he will miss the game against Spurs due to his absence in the FA Cup match against Wigan.

Hojbjerg faces challenges with expectations and competition from Martial, who seems out of form. United needs better-performing friends who can also be rivals. If Hojbjerg can’t play, United will have to rely on Rashford as the lone striker, which is not ideal as he doesn’t get enough chances to be dangerous in that position. Rashford is better on the left wing, but currently, Garnacho is in better form.