--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-10-10T08:44:03.825Z last_updated: 2026-10-10T05:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/manchester-united/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWFuY2hlc3RlcmV2ZW5pbmduZXdzLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0L2Zvb3RiYWxsL2hvdy1tYW5jaGVzdGVyLXVuaXRlZC1zaG91bGQtbGluZS0zNDczNTEwNw --- # How Manchester United should line up vs Tottenham - **Source:** - **Published:** 10 Oct - **Club:** Manchester United - **Original URL:** https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/how-manchester-united-should-line-34735107 United drew 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage before the break, meaning they entered the extended international period sitting in 12th position in the Premier League table having taken five points from five games. A string of poor results has increased pressure on Michael Carrick, who will be desperate to secure a victory against Tottenham, who have failed to score in all but one of their league matches this season. Get the best United news, updates and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Manchester Evening News! To get it, it's a simple one-two punch. Regarding the team news, Amad, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford should be available after training. However, Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu have been ruled out, and a late decision will be made on Noussair Mazraoui's involvement. Tyrone Marshall Plenty of fitness issues are complicating team selection for what feels like a massive game for Carrick. That is the case at the back where Dalot and Shaw are the only available full-backs. Maguire and Martinez will partner each other again. I would throw Baleba in from the start here, it feels like United badly need his energy and intensity in the middle of the pitch. If Mainoo is fit, he can play next to him. Further forward, it's time for Mbeumo to play down the middle. Rashford is struggling with a hip injury so it might be time to give him a rest and play Cunha on the left, with Lacey getting a first Premier League start. Steven Railston Carrick really needs a win this evening, so he may be tempted to pick the midfield trio he has selected over the first few weeks of the season, but Baleba needs to be thrown into the side now that he is up to speed. I would drop Tielemans to accommodate Baleba, who should provide some much-needed energy in the centre of the pitch. The news about Sesko is a blow but not a surprise, given the nature of his injury. It could be an issue United have to manage for the foreseeable future, and Cunha cannot continue to play up front in his absence. Mbeumo is the best choice to play up front. Now that Amad has taken part in training again, I would start him down the right, Mbeumo down the middle and Cunha down the left, as Rashford did not have a good game against Fulham before the international break. The back five, including Lammens, picks itself. Dalot, Maguire, Martinez and Shaw should all start, even if Yoro performed well during the international break. In midfield, nobody has managed to tie down the spot alongside Mainoo. This gives Baleba the opportunity to make that position his own. He should start behind Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 position. Up top, Amad’s return to training could be an important lifeline for Carrick. I would start him on the right, allowing Mbeumo to lead the line in Sesko’s absence.