Ruben Amorim's Manchester United travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday evening for a highly anticipated Carabao Cup quarter-final clash.
Ange Postecoglou's Spurs will be hoping for a win to push themselves one step closer to ending their 16-year trophy drought, having failed to secure silverware since Juande Ramos masterminded the team's last Carabao Cup triumph in 2008.
The North London club head into the game off the back of an emphatic 5-0 win over relegation-battling Southampton last Sunday. A dominant display from The Lilywhites caused ex-Southampton manager Russell Martin to be handed his marching orders.
Spurs will be hoping the win will provide them with the momentum and confidence needed to navigate the pressure of a crucial cup clash, as they look to take a significant step towards silverware.
Meanwhile, The Red Devils are searching for a seventh Carabao Cup title as they aim to repeat their heroics from the 2022/23 season, which saw them lift the trophy under former boss Erik ten Hag.
United have failed to win in their last four meetings with Tottenham, the last of which came in September 2024 as The Reds were thrashed 3-0 at Old Trafford. Goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke as well as a sending-off for United captain Bruno Fernandes capped off a disastrous day for Ten Hag's side.
However, the introduction of Ruben Amorim as manager seems to have injected a much-needed leash of life into this United team. A late Amad Diallo winner secured a win over bitter rivals Manchester City last Sunday; United will be hoping they can continue to kick on both in the league and in cup competitions under their Portuguese boss.
With both teams vying for a spot in the semi-finals, the stage is set for a tantalising encounter under the floodlights in North London.
-
Team News
Postecoglou has confirmed that key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are sidelined until January due to injury, leaving a gap in Spurs' central defence.
Richarlison is also out with a hamstring injury and is not expected to return until early January.
There is a possibility that full-back Destiny Udogie could feature, as he is being assessed following muscle tightness that led to his early withdrawal against The Saints.
Midfielder Yves Bissouma is available again after serving a suspension, providing a boost to the team's midfield options.
Spurs' number one goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also remains out after undergoing surgery on a fractured ankle, while Ben Davies is sidelined after picking up a hamstring injury against Bournemouth earlier this month.
For Amorim's side, it will be interesting to see whether Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford return to United's matchday squad, having been left out for the huge Manchester derby last weekend due to "selection" reasons rather than injury or illness.
Mason Mount has been ruled out of the Carabao Cup fixture after being substituted in the first half last weekend with an injury. Noussair Mazraoui was also withdrawn against The Citizens after picking up a knock and is a doubt for the Spurs clash.
Luke Shaw remains out after a recent setback, but Toby Collyer and Jonny Evans could feature after returning from injury.
-
Likely Lineups
Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Son, Solanke
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Malacia; Amad, Fernandes; Højlund.
-
Key Players
Tottenham Hotspur - Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski will be looking to maintain his impressive form against United. The Swedish winger has been a standout performer for Spurs in recent weeks, scoring in each of his last three matches, including a crucial equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Rangers in the Europa League.
The 24-year-old's creativity, vision and goal-scoring ability make him a key player for Spurs as they aim to secure a semi-final berth in the Carabao Cup.
The Swedes' recent form and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him a key player to watch in this cup clash.
Manchester United - Amad Diallo
After struggling for game time under former manager Ten Hag, Amad Diallo has emerged as a pivotal figure for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim.
The Ivorian's recent performances have been instrumental in United's successes, notably in the Manchester derby, where he scored a decisive goal, highlighting his growing importance in the squad.
Diallo's versatility allows him to operate effectively both as a wingback and as a right-sided number 10, where he flourished against City, providing tactical flexibility for Amorim.
The 22-year-old's ability to drive at opposition defenders, composure in front of goal and ability to craft a chance out of nothing makes him a constant threat to opposing defences.
Recognising his contributions, United are reportedly close to finalising a long-term contract extension for Diallo, reflecting their confidence in his abilities and future at the club.
Against Spurs, Diallo's form and influence are likely to be crucial in United's pursuit of silverware.
-
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.
What time is kick-off?
The match will kick-off at 20:00GMT on Thursday, 19th December 2024.
How can I watch?
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
