Competition: Premier League (Matchweek 25)
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick-off: Saturday, February 7, 2026 (12:30 GMT)
Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off presents a fascinating tactical battle at Old Trafford. Manchester United, rejuvenated under interim boss Michael Carrick, host a Tottenham Hotspur side managed by Thomas Frank that is battling both a severe injury crisis and internal dressing room turmoil.
1. Match Context
The mood at Old Trafford has transformed overnight. Since taking over as interim manager, Michael Carrick has guided the Red Devils to three consecutive victories, including massive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal. United currently sit firmly in the Top 4, playing with a freedom and attacking fluidity that was missing earlier in the season.
In contrast, Thomas Frank is navigating a storm at Tottenham. Spurs are currently winless in their last five league games and have dropped to 14th in the table. While they showed fighting spirit to draw 2-2 with Man City last week (thanks to a Dominic Solanke masterclass), the club has been rocked by captain Cristian Romero’s social media outburst, calling the squad depth “disgraceful” after he was forced to play while ill.
2. Team News & Injury Updates
Manchester United Team News
Carrick is expected to stick with the core of his winning formula but will be without new signing Patrick Dorgu, who is sidelined until April with a hamstring injury. This means Luke Shaw or Diogo Dalot will likely continue at left-back. At the same time, Matthijs de Ligt – who scored the late equalizer in the reverse fixture earlier this season – remains sidelined with a lingering back injury and is not expected to feature this weekend.
In goal, young Belgian sensation Senne Lammens has firmly established himself as the No. 1, bringing a “calm and stability” that the defense previously lacked.
In attack, Carrick might rotate Benjamin Sesko back into the starting XI to replace either Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha to keep legs fresh.
Tottenham Hotspur Team News
Thomas Frank is dealing with a full-blown crisis. The injury list is extensive: key playmaker James Maddison, winger Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, and Richarlison are all ruled out.
However, there is a boost in defense with Micky van de Ven returning to training and available for selection. The big question is whether Frank will discipline captain Cristian Romero following his public criticism of the club’s ownership, though Frank has stated the matter was “dealt with internally” and Romero retains the armband.
3. Recent Form Guide
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Manchester United: W W W L D
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Last result: Won 3-2 vs Fulham.
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Trend: 3 wins in a row under Carrick (vs City, Arsenal, Fulham).
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Tottenham Hotspur: D W D W L (Note: League form is winless in 5, mixed with Cup results)
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Last result: Drew 2-2 vs Man City.
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Trend: Conceded 18 first-half goals this season—only Burnley and Wolves have conceded more.
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4. Predicted Lineups
Manchester United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Vicario; Palhinha, Romero, Van de Ven; Spence, Gallagher, Sarr, Udogie; Odobert, Xavi; Solanke.
5. Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Momentum is entirely with the home side. Manchester United are playing with high energy and confidence under Carrick, while Tottenham are patched together by a depleted squad and dressing room friction.
Spurs’ defensive vulnerability in the first half plays right into the hands of a United attack that has been starting games quickly. While Solanke remains a threat on the counter, United’s midfield dominance should see them secure a comfortable victory.
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Score Prediction: Manchester United 2 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur
6. Kick-off Times & Broadcast Info
| Region | Time Zone | Date & Time | TV Channel / Stream |
| United Kingdom | GMT | Sat, Feb 7 – 12:30 | TNT Sports |
| Vietnam | GMT+7 | Sat, Feb 7 – 19:30 | FPT Play |
| Thailand | GMT+7 | Sat, Feb 7 – 19:30 | Monomax / 3BB GIGATV |
| USA (East) | EST | Sat, Feb 7 – 07:30 | Peacock / NBC Sports |
