Carrick Chases Fourth Straight Win

Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on Saturday for a Premier League clash that pits a revitalized home side against a Spurs team mired in a prolonged slump, with interim manager Michael Carrick aiming to extend his perfect start in charge.
The match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. GMT (7:30 a.m. ET), refereed by Michael Oliver with Paul Tierney on VAR. Broadcast options include TNT Sports in the U.K. and various international feeds, with live streaming available on platforms carrying Premier League rights.

United enter the fixture in fourth place in the table with 41 points from 24 matches (11 wins, 8 draws, 5 losses), boasting a goal difference of +8 after scoring 44 and conceding 36. Their recent resurgence under Carrick — who took over following a managerial change — has seen three consecutive Premier League victories against high-profile opponents: Manchester City, Arsenal and most recently a 3-2 home win over Fulham on Feb. 1, where Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time strike sealed the deal.

That triumph extended United’s unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions, lifting them firmly into the Champions League qualification spots, just five points behind third-placed Aston Villa. Carrick, a former United midfielder and coach, has instilled confidence and tactical discipline, with the team showing improved defensive solidity and clinical finishing. Key contributors include Bruno Fernandes, whose creativity and set-piece threat remain central, alongside emerging talents like Kobbie Mainoo in midfield and forwards such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

The Red Devils have named an unchanged starting lineup for the match, signaling trust in the group that has delivered recent results. Defenders like Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw provide a robust backline, supported by Diogo Dalot and full-back options. Casemiro anchors the midfield, allowing Amad Diallo and Fernandes freedom to link with attackers.

At Old Trafford, United have been particularly strong this season, winning seven of 12 home league games (3 draws, 2 losses) while scoring 23 goals. Their home advantage — bolstered by a passionate crowd — has been a factor in the turnaround, with the team unbeaten in their last several matches at the Theatre of Dreams.

Tottenham, meanwhile, sit 14th with 29 points from 24 games (7 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses), a +2 goal difference from 35 scored and 33 conceded. Their form has been poor, especially at home where they have won just two of 12 league matches, but they show slightly better away resilience (5 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses on the road).

Spurs have endured a six-match winless run in the league heading into this fixture, though they salvaged a 2-2 draw against Manchester City last weekend, with Dominic Solanke scoring twice to rescue a point. Under manager Thomas Frank — who succeeded in a previous role — the team has struggled with consistency, injuries and defensive vulnerabilities.

Tottenham make three changes for the visit, with Micky van de Ven returning to the starting lineup to bolster the backline alongside Cristian Romero. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario starts, with midfielders like João Palhinha featuring. The squad has been hampered by injuries, leaving them short in key areas and contributing to their mid-table position.

Head-to-head, recent encounters favor Spurs: they are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with United across all competitions (5 wins, 3 draws), including a 2-2 draw in their most recent league clash and results from last season’s Europa League final. However, United’s current momentum contrasts sharply with Tottenham’s struggles, and many analysts see this as a winnable game for the hosts.

Preview analyses from outlets like Sports Illustrated, The Sun and Evening Standard highlight United’s confidence. Predictions lean toward a home win, with scores like 2-1 commonly suggested. Betting markets favor United, citing their form, home record and Spurs’ injury issues. Key battles include Fernandes vs. Palhinha in midfield, and United’s attackers exploiting Tottenham’s leaky defense.

For United, victory would solidify their top-four push and strengthen Carrick’s case for the permanent role. A loss or draw could halt momentum in a tightly contested race for European spots. Tottenham need points desperately to climb away from the lower mid-table and rebuild confidence.

The fixture is Matchweek 25 of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Both teams played last weekend — United winning at home, Spurs drawing — setting up contrasting moods at Old Trafford.

As kickoff approaches, focus remains on United’s revival and whether Tottenham can end their drought against their rivals. Fans anticipate an entertaining contest between two historic clubs with attacking talent on display.