Manchester United travel to Tottenham Hotspur today hoping for their first win against the Lilywhites this season.
They have played each other 203 times in history, with the Red Devils winning 96 times.
There have been 51 draws and Spurs have come out on top on 56 occasions.
Here are three plotlines to dig into before the match.
United’s recent struggles against Spurs
For a long time, United dominated Tottenham Hotspur.
In the entirety of the 1990s, for example, they only lost four matches against the North Londoners.
This has not been the case in recent times as the Red Devils have not beaten Tottenham in the last five matches.
In fact, the last victory for United came in October 2022, early on in Erik ten Hag’s managerial spell when they won 2-0 at Old Trafford.
The last victory in London came in October 2021 when they won 3-0 during the dying embers of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s rein.
United’s leaky defence versus Spurs
The Red Devils’ defence has hardly been watertight all season but they have particularly struggled against Tottenham.
According to The BBC, “Manchester United have conceded at least twice in each of their last four Premier League games against Spurs.”
“The last side they conceded multiple goals against in 5+ consecutive league games was Arsenal (5 between 1975 and 1978).”
Spurs have massively struggled this season, lying 15th in the table but they have scored 48 goals in the league with only Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal scoring more.
United also shipped four as they were knocked out by Ange Postecoglou’s side 4-3 in the Carabao Cup in December. The Red Devils are also looking for their first win against the Australian coach.
United are surprisingly on a good run of form
Despite all the negativity around the club at the moment in regard to financial problems, unpopular ownership decisions, piling up injuries and league position, United are actually on a decent run of form under Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils have won four out of their past five games in all competitions.
They are also unbeaten in four away matches in league and cup, winning two and drawing two since a 2-0 defeat at Wolves on Boxing Day.
It must also be said that United have done reasonably well in away day games against the traditionally bigger clubs since Amorim took over in November and fans will hope this trend continues as the club certainly needs some good news at the moment.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
