United vs Spurs: How Carrick can make it four wins in a row – analysis

Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on Saturday. Unbeaten in 2026, the Red Devils will be aiming for a fourth consecutive league win under Michael Carrick.

Carrick has essentially transformed United overnight since taking charge as interim head coach in January, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

Confidence has risen thanks to a run of statement results, including an emphatic derby day triumph over Manchester City. There is also a clear idea of what he wants his side to do in possession now.

The league context only adds intrigue to the tactical battle, with United aiming to strengthen their top-four position while Tottenham need points to climb away from a mid-table berth.

The Lilywhites have also avoided defeat in this fixture for a long time. Carrick’s first job, therefore, is making sure United overcome this persistent psychological barrier.

Frank’s managerial coffin

Tottenham have not won a Premier League game since December 2025 and have slipped to 14th place. Thomas Frank is, therefore, under increasing pressure, and their upcoming matches are already a defining moment in his brief tenure.

The Danish coach’s teams press with urgency and intensity, using triggers from Xavi Simons or Randal Kolo Muani to spring wide-area traps.

This cue allows Destiny Udogie or Archie Gray to pin the receiver and force rushed passes into traffic. Yves Bissouma and Conor Gallagher then pounce on the overload before releasing Dominic Solanke into the channels.

Spurs will also still have plenty of pace and power to punish the opposition, with the likes of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert being options off the bench. They are also a threat from set-pieces with the aerial prowess of Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha.

Carrick’s tactical tweak

Carrick’s early spell has earned him plaudits across the Premier League, with three wins on the trot, utilising  a different approach in each victory. And he can continue this rich vein of form with another slight adaptation to United’s build-up play.

This starts with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez splitting early to stretch the first line of defence, while Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo stay connected just ahead to secure the centre and protect against counters.

If Tottenham press the back four, Casemiro’s job is to offer a simple pass that drags a marker out of position. Mainoo will then be the spare man in midfield and can drive forward into gaps. The key release is Bruno Fernandes between the lines, as the 20-year-old English midfielder can link up with his captain, but also look for open passing lanes.

This will enable Matheus Cunha or Amad to isolate a wing-back and attack the space in behind the opponent in order to free up Benjamin Sesko or Bryan Mbeumo in the final third.

A perfect balance of attacking threat and defensive cover.

Final Thoughts – Key Takeaways

• United are currently managing knocks and longer-term issues that affect both their pressing ability and capacity to build from the back.
• If Mason Mount is unavailable again, Bruno’s work ethic in the half-spaces becomes even more important.
• Joshua Zirkzee’s potential return, however, offers another option to link the midfield with the attack.
• Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven must also be ready to step up again at a moment’s notice, though, given the continued absence of Matthijs de Ligt.

Onwards and upwards. We go again.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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