Manchester United's Premier League campaign is set to return on June 19 when they face Tottenham Hotspur.
Before the forced break due to the coronavirus, United had strung together some impressive wins, including victories over Manchester City, Chelsea and Watford.
After his sacking in December 2018, Jose Mourinho has only faced United once. His Tottenham team were defeated 2-1 by Ole Gunnar Solskjær's men.
On that day, United's top goalscorer this season, Marcus Rashford, scored twice with Dele Alli scoring Spurs' only goal of the day.
Five defeats from six for Tottenham Hotspur
Before the break, Tottenham had lost five of their last six games in all competitions.
It is fair to say that the London club have performed below standard this season with them losing nearly as many games as they have won in the league this season (11 wins and 10 losses).
Spurs sit four points behind United with both teams having nine games left to play.
With this in mind, United are the favourites for this clash.
Mourinho's struggles with injury
Mourinho's team have struggled with injuries this season with Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn being just three examples.
However, the former United manager has his key men back and could field a strong team against Solskjær's side.
Spurs aren't the only team to have players returning as United have Rashford back fit after initially being ruled out for the season back in January.
France midfielder Paul Pogba is also set to return after being out of the team for a long period of time with multiple injuries, this has left many United fans excited with the prospect of a midfield including Pogba and January signing Bruno Fernandes.
Players won't have the same amount of fitness as they normally would due to the restrictions they've had because of the coronavirus.
Additional substitutions create new scenarios
And with the introduction of the additional substitutes (five instead of three), matches could be massively affected.
Bringing on three or more players at one time could lead to a disruption in the way a team is performing.
However, there are benefits to the additional substitutes, such as helping with squad fitness and injury prevention.
Teams like United and Tottenham also have the boost of a possible Champions League place by finishing fifth.
Rivals Manchester City, who sit second in the league table, are currently appealing against their Champions League ban.
If City are unsuccessful then their place will be given to whichever team finishes fifth.
Alli's absence and Kane's comeback
Spurs are without English attacking-midfielder Dele Alli due to a suspension because of a racially insensitive joke in relation to the coronavirus. He has also been fined £50,000.
With Christian Eriksen leaving Tottenham in the January transfer window to join Inter Milan, and with Alli being unavailable, Tottenham may have to lose any formation that involves an attacking midfielder, unless they use Brazilian Lucas Moura. He is best suited, however, to playing as a centre-forward or right-winger.
Mourinho could even use Son behind the likes of Kane, Bergwijn or Lucas but all four attackers prefer to play as either a striker or as a winger.
Inevitably the Portuguese manager will be starting England captain, Harry Kane if he is fit.
But the striker will need to find his feet again after being sidelined for a substantial period of time.
The Tottenham strike force will also have to break down Manchester United's defence and will have to find a way past David De Gea.
Since the turn of the year, United have shown their defensive qualities, keeping numerous clean sheets.
These are all factors that will play a part in United and Tottenham's remaining games and in particular, their clash on Friday.
United's midfield duo: an unknown entity
Pogba's back, Bruno's in form and United are spoilt for choice.
If as expected Solskjær starts both Pogba and Fernandes then United must find the right balance for their midfield with a player that will sit in behind them and defend.
Fernandes gets assists for fun by playing clever balls to his teammates and it doesn't matter whether his opposition is pressing him constantly or whether the defence is sitting in deep he seems to find the pass nearly every time
Pogba is similarly clever and sometimes untouchable. With his wide range of passing the French man will benefit The Red Devils massively in attack.
For both Pogba and Fernandes to perform at their best and to allow them to commit to team attacks, they need a solid defensive-midfielder who can sit deep in the midfield to help out the defence on opposition attacks.
Who could partner Pogba and Bruno?
United's "anchorman" could be Nemanja Matic. The Serbian is tall, strong and fantastic at winning the ball back. Matic is not the fastest though and struggles to keep up with pacey attackers and therefore, if beaten by pace, he will struggle to get back.
The former Chelsea midfielder is the most experienced of the three options here and would offer a steady head amongst the youthful squad.
Matic is most likely going to be the Norwegian's choice with him starting nine out of the last 10 league games before the break.
One of this season's most improved players, Fred, could also fit into this role nicely.
The Brazilian can dictate play by linking up the defence and the rest of the midfield, this means that Pogba and Fernandes can find space and potentially create goals.
Fred is solid defensively as he is quick and has shown that he will get stuck in if there is a challenge there to be made, something that the United fans love to see. Fred may be overlooked for this central-defensive-midfield position though due to other midfielders at the club being technically better then he is when it comes to defending.
The 27-year-old has although recently received praise from a United great in Peter Schmeichel.
The former United goalkeeper said during an Instagram Live with CNN‘s Amanda Davies: "Fred has been, for me, absolutely instrumental in how well the club has done this season.
He was always perfect for the club but he’s now been given playing time and the more time he’s been given, the more confidence he’s gained and for me, he’s been one of the great stories this season at Manchester United."
The United managers final realistic option is Scotland international Scott McTominay who has won over the United fans after proving himself to be a solid midfielder.
His 37-yard goal against rivals Manchester City is United's last goal in the Premier League and created a memorable moment for United fans.
At just 23-years-old McTominay has shown how well he is developing as a Premier League player and as a leader.
The midfielder has also been out of the team this season due to an injury. The young Scot has shown his passion, commitment and determination and could be a good option for the base of the United midfield.
Solskjær has a lot to consider before Friday's fixture, but with their key players fit, the Norwegian should be confident and clever with his selection to ensure that the Reds can pick up where they left off before the break.
