Six talking points ahead of United v Spurs

Ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash, under the lights at the Theatre of Dreams, there are a number of key talking points for you to take note of...

THE MANAGERIAL BATTLE

This fixture will mark the first time Erik ten Hag and Conte have been pitted against one another on the touchline, with both bosses moulding their sides in their image this season.

Erik was complimentary of the Italian in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon: “He's a fabulous manager. He’s winning titles, trophies in the Premier League, in Italy, and you can really see his signature in the match from his team and that's a big compliment I think."

Likewise, Conte praised Ten Hag on Monday: “He did very well with Ajax and for sure he has taken a great job for United because United is one of the best teams in the world.

“He is trying to bring his ideas into the pitch, and I think also the club back him in the transfer market. Like other managers and coaches, he needs time to work and to try to improve his team.”

RUTHLESS RONALDO

The last time United faced Spurs, Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show. Our no.7 produced a match-winning hat-trick to earn the Reds a 3-2 victory, becoming FIFA’s all-time record goalscorer in the process.

Ronaldo last scored in our Premier League win away to Everton two weeks ago and he also started on Sunday against Newcastle United.

Given Cristiano’s home record against Spurs, with eight goals at Old Trafford against the Lilywhites, Ten Hag could place his trust in the 37-year-old once more on Wednesday night.

ERIKSEN'S REUNION

Our midfield maestro Christian Eriksen missed the 0-0 draw with Newcastle at the weekend due to illness, but returned to training on Tuesday.

Ten Hag stated in his press conference that he would “have to see” how the Dane recovers and whether he “has the energy” for Wednesday’s fixture.

Of course, Eriksen will no doubt be licking his lips at the prospect of lining up against another one of his former employers, having played against Brentford earlier in the season.

Christian enjoyed a successful stint with Spurs between 2013 and 2020, helping the North Londoners to the 2019 Champions League final, before joining Internazionale – then managed by Conte.

KEEPING KANE QUIET

Harry Kane has been in great form this season, and sits second in the Premier League goalscoring charts with nine strikes so far.

The England international has scored in eight of his last nine top-flight matches, so the United back four will have to be at the top of their game to limit his opportunities in this match.

LAST CHANCE TO IMPRESS

For many Premier League players, the midweek fixtures represent the final opportunity to persuade their international managers to select them for their 2022 World Cup squads.

The deadline for the final 26-man selections is Sunday 13 November, a week before the tournament gets under way, but many bosses are expected to name provisional lists at the end of this week.

Several England players could be involved at Old Trafford on Wednesday, and will no doubt hope to lay down a compelling case for a place in Gareth Southgate's squad.

KICK-OFF TIME AND STREAMING CHANNELS

This match, along with all other Premier League fixtures this week, is being streamed on Amazon Prime Video in the UK.

You can subscribe to Amazon Prime and access the streaming service on your smart devices, desktops and smart TVs.

Kick-off is at 20:15 BST, with coverage beginning at 18:30 BST. Our MUTV pre-match build-up – available in the United App – commences at 19:10 BST.