Premier League: Ole Leads United – But For How Much Longer?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United

So, after 36 hours of public and private inquests, it would appear Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will take charge of this Premier League encounter in North London.

It may be his last game in charge of Manchester United – it might not be – after all, we’ve been here before on a number of occasions over the last two years.

This time is different, however, following the lowest point of his tenure – a shameful display against arch-rivals Liverpool last weekend.

United’s darkest day for many a decade for all connected with the club, it is this Sbotop writer’s belief that the manager and club should have parted company much sooner.

The question now is, can the Norwegian recover and guide his side to more Premier League highlights for it is surely only a matter of time before a new man is brought in.

Talking Points

Amongst the many noises emanating from Old Trafford this week was the suggestion players are doubting Solskjaer’s capability – pretty obvious judging by events of last Sunday.

That said, he was let down on the pitch by some of his trusted lieutenants and they owe him, the fans and themselves a big display this weekend.

One man who won’t be there is Paul Pogba whose 15-minute contribution against Liverpool was notable in two ways: he was responsible for the opposition’s fifth goal, swiftly followed by a late tackle which saw him dismissed – a quarter of an hour cameo which summed up much of his time in a United shirt – flattering to deceive against major rivals, alongside a lack of consistency and discipline in big games.

Presumably, when the Frenchman spoke about something ‘needs to change’ following United’s 4-2 reverse at Leicester earlier this month, he intended for his contribution to improve rather than diminish even further.

While it seems he is set to leave the club he has shown little affection for on a free transfer next summer – if he really cared, as he claims, he would sign a new deal in order to ensure the club received a fee – the stark truth is he is no longer the first choice on current form.

Spurs aren’t exactly setting the world alight themselves and were no more than average as they went down to West Ham on Sunday.

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur suffer an away defeat to West Ham United last weekend — Harry Kane and Eric Dier looks dejected after the match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur

Yet they remain ahead of the Red Devils in the table and boss Nuno Espirito Santos felt his side controlled long spells of that encounter without reward.

While not the force they were two years ago, they will likely battle it out with United this season for the fourth Champions League spot up for grabs – a lucrative carrot and, realistically, the best of the rest with the top three spots likely to be taken, in one form or another, by Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.

That means, even in October, the importance of this fixture is clear and to go four points ahead of United could be crucial in the long run.

That possibility would be a further setback for Solskjaer which is why all eyes will be on the away dugout on Saturday teatime.

History

United have beaten Spurs 93 times in history with the North Londoners triumphing on 53 occasions, while there have been 49 draws.

Last season’s meetings were so contrasting.

At Old Trafford, United took a first-minute lead through Bruno Fernandes and that was the highlight for the hosts.

Within six minutes they were 2-1 behind; they were then reduced to 10 men and ended up being hit for six – Tanguy Ndombele, Son Heung-Min (two), Harry Kane (two) and Serge Aurier on a day when Jose Mourinho toyed with his successor Solskjaer.

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Premier League

The 6-1 romp also equalled Spurs’ biggest-ever win against United – matching a triumph at White Hart Lane in the former Division Two in September 1932.

If that was chastening for the Norwegian, he gained some revenge six months later in one of United’s finest displays of the season and a match which also pushed Mourinho closer to the Spurs exit door.

After falling behind to a Son goal, United turned on the style to win 3-1, courtesy of goals from Fred, Edinson Cavani and youngster Mason Greenwood.

It’s three years since Spurs last beat United at home (Wembley was their temporary home) – January 2018 when Christian Eriksen scored after just 11 seconds to set them on their way to a 2-0 success.

Betting Tip

	Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United	Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.96
	October 31, 00:30 (GMT+8)

Our Premier League betting odds actually make United slight favourites for this encounter.

The Red Devils are priced 1X2 @ 2.46 compared to Spurs @ 2.75.

Likewise, with Asian Handicap odds, they are priced -0.50 @ 2.47 with Spurs available to back 0.00 @ 2.21.

A repeat of last season’s 3-1 Utd win is offered on Correct Score @ 18.00.

I expect this to be tight but with goals and, while over 3.00 goals @ 2.33 has caught my eye, I’m plumping for Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.96 as my *** prediction.