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Can Michael Carrick’s tactical revolution overcome Thomas Frank’s struggling Spurs? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Read Rationale ▾
Manchester United have revitalised their form under Michael Carrick, securing three consecutive wins while scoring eight goals. With Bruno Fernandes in fine creative form and Tottenham winless in 2026, the Red Devils look well-positioned to exploit a Spurs defence prone to individual errors and tactical lapses.
Read Rationale ▾
A 2-1 scoreline reflects United’s offensive efficiency versus their defensive vulnerability. While Carrick’s side are scoring freely, the absence of key defenders leaves them open to Spurs’ pace. However, Tottenham’s struggle for wins in 2026 suggests United should ultimately edge out a tight, high-intensity contest at Old Trafford.
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The atmosphere at Old Trafford has shifted from toxic to electric as Michael Carrick’s Manchester United look to cement their top-four credentials.
Man Utd vs Tottenham — bet365 Market Snapshot
Key markets and illustrative probabilities based on current tactical form at Old Trafford.
United’s 53% average possession and three-game winning streak make them strong home contenders against a struggling Spurs side.
United’s 16.5 shots per game suggest an offensive onslaught is likely, potentially driving the scoreline over 2.5 goals.
With United scoring eight in three games, a 2-1 victory balances their high goal-scoring form against recent defensive absences.
Manchester United average 16.5 shots per game, significantly outperforming Tottenham’s 11.6, highlighting a massive gap in offensive threat.
- The Carrick Catalyst: Since Michael Carrick took the helm and switched to a 4-2-3-1, Manchester United have secured three consecutive wins in all competitions, scoring eight goals in that span.
- Capital Struggles: Thomas Frank’s Tottenham are currently winless in the Premier League in 2026, failing to pick up a single victory in the new calendar year so far.
- Midfield Engine: Since his return to the starting XI, Kobbie Mainoo has covered more distance than any other player in recent high-stakes fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Offensive Efficiency: Goals and Shots
A comparison of clinical finishing and shot volume between Carrick’s revitalised United and Frank’s Tottenham.
United are creating high volumes of scoring chances through individual skill and through-balls.
Spurs are struggling to match the offensive output of their rivals in the final third.
Tactical Control: Possession Share
While possession is closely matched, United’s central overload versus Spurs’ wing-based width dictates the game flow.
Carrick’s system focuses on midfield dominance through the return of Mainoo and Fernandes.
Spurs maintain a respectable share of the ball by stretching play down the flanks.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford has shifted from toxic to electric. Michael Carrick has stabilized the ship, guiding Manchester United to 4th place in the Premier League on the back of a tactical revolution. After dispatching Manchester City and Arsenal in recent weeks, the Red Devils are playing with a confidence not seen in years.
However, there is unfinished business to attend to. Despite their league position, United have suffered three losses in their last six Premier League meetings against Tottenham. Thomas Frank brings his 14th-placed Spurs side to Manchester desperate to break a three-game winless streak on the road and finally kickstart their 2026 campaign.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Manchester United
- Matthijs de Ligt: Out (Back Problems).
- Patrick Dorgu: Out (Hamstring Injury).
Probable Lineup: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
Tottenham Hotspur
- No new injuries reported in the facts.
Probable Lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Simons, Tel; Kolo Muani.
The Impact: The absence of Matthijs de Ligt forces Harry Maguire back into the spotlight. While United’s attack is purring, a backline missing two key starters remains vulnerable to the pace of Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus.
Tale of the Tape
| Metric | Man Utd | Tottenham |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 44 | 35 |
| Shots Per Game | 16.5 | 11.6 |
| Possession % | 53% | 51% |
| Pass Accuracy % | 83% | 83% |
| Aerial Duels Won | 17.6 | 14.6 |
While the possession stats are nearly identical, the efficiency is worlds apart. United are far more prolific in front of goal, averaging nearly five more shots per game than Frank’s side.
Tactical Battle: Carrick vs Frank
The Bruno Renaissance
The move to a 4-2-3-1 has liberated Bruno Fernandes. By restoring a traditional “Number 10” role, Carrick has allowed Fernandes to focus on creativity rather than defensive grafting. The result? Four assists in three games. Tottenham’s João Palhinha faces a massive task to sit in the hole and prevent Fernandes from feeding Benjamin Sesko.
Width vs. Central Overload
Expect a clash of philosophies on the flanks. Tottenham prioritize attacking down the wings and attempting crosses often. With Pedro Porro pushing high, Spurs look to stretch the pitch. United, conversely, love to attack through the middle and utilize through-balls.
High-Press Risks
Tottenham play an aggressive offside trap, but they are “Very Weak” at avoiding individual errors. Against a United side that is “Very Strong” at creating chances through individual skill and through-balls, one mistimed step from Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven could leave Matheus Cunha or Amad Diallo clean through on goal.
Key Moments to Watch
- The Mainoo Factor: Watch for Kobbie Mainoo to dictate the tempo. His ability to recycle possession allows United to sustain pressure, which has led to late goals in their last few outings.
- Set Piece Danger: Both teams are “Strong” at attacking set pieces. With Harry Maguire and Cristian Romero on the pitch, a dead-ball situation is the most likely way to break a deadlock.
What Could Go Wrong?
United remain “Weak” at protecting a lead and defending counter-attacks. If Carrick’s men commit too many bodies forward searching for a fourth straight win, the raw speed of Kolo Muani and Mohammed Kudus on the break could punish them, regardless of Spurs’ recent poor form.
📊 Market Explainer
Match Result (1X2)
This market requires you to predict the outcome of the game after 90 minutes. You can choose a home win (1), a draw (X), or an away win (2). It is the most straightforward market, though it offers no protection if the match ends in a stalemate.
Other opportunities: Double Chance provides a safety net by covering two outcomes (e.g., Home Win or Draw) at a lower price.
Correct Score
Predicting the exact final scoreline at full-time. This is a high-volatility market with higher prices because of the precision required. Even a late, inconsequential goal can ruin a winning selection.
Other opportunities: Goals Range (e.g., 2-3 goals) offers more flexibility than an exact scoreline while maintaining healthy margins.
🎯 Manchester United to Win (4/7)
Manchester United have undergone a significant transformation since Michael Carrick implemented a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation. This tactical shift has revitalised the squad, leading to three consecutive victories and an impressive return of eight goals. The return of Kobbie Mainoo has anchored the midfield, allowing Bruno Fernandes to return to his preferred creative role, where he has already registered four assists in just three matches. This central dominance is expected to overwhelm a Tottenham side that has struggled for consistency in 2026.
⚔️ Tactical Indicators
- United possess a higher shot volume, averaging 16.5 shots per game.
- Tottenham are winless in the Premier League in 2026.
- Spurs are “Very Weak” at avoiding individual errors in defence.
Risk Factor: United are “Weak” at defending counter-attacks and protecting leads, which could be exploited by Spurs’ pace.
🎯 Manchester United 2-1 (8/1)
Analysing the efficiency of both sides suggests that while United are likely to dominate, a clean sheet remains unlikely. Manchester United are missing key defensive personnel like Matthijs de Ligt, leaving them vulnerable to Tottenham’s pace on the flanks. Spurs prioritising wide attacks and frequent crossing could breach a makeshift United backline. However, United’s “Very Strong” ability to create scoring chances and their 16.5 shots per game indicate they have the firepower to outscore Thomas Frank’s side in a high-intensity encounter.
Risk Factor: A single mistimed offside trap by Spurs or a defensive lapse by United could easily shift the scoreline to 3-1 or 2-2.
⊕ Interactive Q&A
⊕What does 4/7 odds mean in simple terms?
Odds of 4/7 represent a high probability of an event occurring, suggesting a team is a strong favourite. For every £7 you bet, you would make a £4 profit if the selection wins. This pricing reflects Manchester United’s recent run of three consecutive wins under Michael Carrick.
⊕How does the 4-2-3-1 formation help United?
The 4-2-3-1 provides a balanced structure that allows creative players more freedom. Specifically, it has permitted Bruno Fernandes to move back into a central “Number 10” role, resulting in four assists in his last three games. This system relies on the defensive work of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro to protect the back four.
⊕Why is a 2-1 scoreline plausible for this match?
A 2-1 scoreline accounts for United’s high scoring rate (8 goals in 3 games) and their current defensive weaknesses. With key defenders like De Ligt out, United are “Weak” at stopping opponents from creating chances, making it likely that Spurs will find the net even if they lose the match.
⊕What is an “Offside Trap” and why is it risky?
The offside trap is a defensive tactic where the backline moves forward in unison to catch attacking players in an offside position. Tottenham use this frequently, but their tendency for individual errors makes it risky against United’s “Very Strong” ability to play through-balls.
⊕Is Tottenham’s winless run in 2026 significant?
Yes, it highlights a lack of momentum and struggles in the final third. Tottenham have failed to win a Premier League game since the new year, which contrasts sharply with United’s recent surge into the top four under Michael Carrick.
⊕What role does Kobbie Mainoo play in the team?
Mainoo acts as the midfield engine, covering vast distances to recycle possession and break up opposition attacks. His high work rate against Manchester City and Arsenal proved vital in allowing United to control the tempo of the game.
⊕How do Spurs exploit United’s wide vulnerabilities?
Tottenham prioritise attacking down the wings and frequently attempting crosses into the box. With United missing natural defensive depth, Thomas Frank’s side will look to use the width of the pitch to pull defenders out of position.
⊕What should I look for in “Set Piece” situations?
Both teams are strong at attacking set pieces, meaning corners and free-kicks are high-value scoring opportunities. Look for physical presence from players like Harry Maguire and Cristian Romero to be the primary targets in these scenarios.
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