Man Utd v Tottenham: Team newspublished at 11:28 GMT
11:28 GMT
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Michael Carrick goes with an unchanged line-up as Manchester United look for a fourth win in a row since he was installed as Ruben Amorim's successor until the end of the season.
The only change to Carrick's entire matchday squad is on the bench, where Scotland Under-19 midfielder Tyler Fletcher gets the nod ahead of young forward Shea Lacey.
Manchester United XI: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Sunderland", for instance.
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:02 GMT 6 February
19:02 GMT 6 February
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
Michael Carrick will be looking to maintain his 100% record in his second spell in charge of Manchester United in the Saturday 12:30 GMT kick-off at the expense of his former club Tottenham Hotspur, who are winless in their last six league games.
In Roy Keane's retelling of a Sir Alex Ferguson team talk ahead of a game against Spurs, the Scot reportedly told his players: "Lads, it's Tottenham," and left it at that, such was his confidence. Recently though, things have been less straightforward for the Old Trafford outfit, who will mark the 68th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster before kick-off.
The Red Devils are winless in their past six league games against Spurs (drawn three, lost three), their joint-longest run without a league win against the north London side â and one that extends to eight games in all competitions.
Classy Casemiro back to his best
With no arrivals in the winter transfer window, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro seem almost certain to continue as United's first-choice pairing at the base of midfield, as they have done in Carrick's three consecutive wins.
The Brazilian, who last month confirmed he will leave at the end of the season, has been in fine form recently, opening the scoring with a header in last week's dramatic 3-2 success against Fulham â since his debut in August 2022, no midfielder has scored more headers in the Premier League than Casemiro's seven.
The home side conceded twice when he was replaced by Manuel Ugarte in the second half of that game; astonishingly, they've let in more league goals this season with Ugarte on the pitch than with Casemiro, despite the Uruguayan playing less than half the number of minutes.
A Frank assessment
Tottenham's second-half rally to earn a 2-2 draw against Manchester City last week provided a welcome fillip for head coach Thomas Frank, whose side haven't won in the league this calendar year.
"I think we can create something magic together - the players and the fans - when we are united like we were," Frank purred after that comeback. Spurs' Champions League form has arguably kept him in a job, although the Dane would quite rightly point to the club's ongoing injury crisis as a mitigating factor.
Dominic at the double
One man who is back off the treatment table is Dominic Solanke, who netted both goals to earn a point against City â even if his dubious first effort provoked the ire of Pep Guardiola, who insisted it was a foul.
Solanke has four goals in six games in all competitions since returning from an ankle injury that caused him to miss four months of the season, averaging a goal every 88 minutes. That's the best rate of any Spurs player this season, and notably he has notched five in his last five appearances against Manchester United.
The statistics suggest that the first half of this encounter will be telling for Tottenham, who sit 14th in the table with just one league win in nine. They are winless in all 10 of their league games when behind at the break this term â drawing three and losing seven â and unbeaten in all six when leading at half-time (won five, drawn one).
Worryingly for Frank, only the bottom two sides have conceded more first-half goals than Tottenham's 18 in the league this season.
Sutton's predictions: Man Utd v Tottenhampublished at 18:05 GMT 6 February
18:05 GMT 6 February
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against AI, BBC Sport readers and a variety of guests.
His guest for week 25 is Gladiators star Apollo, real name Alex Gray, who supports Newcastle.
Sutton says: Manchester United were slightly fortunate to beat Fulham last time out. A draw would have been about right.
Still, it was big for Benjamin Sesko to get their winner and I have got to say he put it away very nicely, especially because he should have scored with a header earlier in the game.
Tottenham, meanwhile, produced a great comeback against Manchester City. I've talked about how much I rate Dominic Solanke and when he is up for Spurs, they are in a much better place as a team.
There is a danger of getting carried away with United under Michael Carrick, and I am expecting Solanke to score again here, but it still feels like United will find a way to win it.
Munich rememberedpublished at 17:55 GMT 6 February
17:55 GMT 6 February
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter at Old Trafford
Image source, BBC Sport
Image caption,
The flowers laid at Old Trafford in honour of the 23 victims of the Munich air disaster
The Munich commemoration is one of the more sombre days of the year for Manchester United.
But it is one of the most uplifting also as tributes are paid to all 23 passengers who died when United's plane crashed on take off following a refuelling stop on the way back from a European Cup game in Belgrade.
Respective men's and women's head coaches Michael Carrick and Marc Skinner both laid wreaths, as did captains Bruno Fernandes and Maya Le Tissier.
The half hour service at Old Trafford included a minute's silence at 15:04 GMT, the precise time of the crash, followed by the 'Flowers of Manchester' song, composed in honour of those who died.
The eight players who perished were England internationals Roger Byrne, Tommy Taylor and Duncan Edwards, who died two weeks later after failing to recover from internal injuries sustained in the crash, Geoff Bent, Eddie Colman, David Pegg, Billy Whelan and Mark Jones. Jackie Blanchflower and Johnny Berry survived the crash but never played football again.
Munich disaster victims remembered in Belgradepublished at 16:39 GMT 6 February
16:39 GMT 6 February
Slobodan Maricic BBC Serbia journalist in Belgrade
"This is where, on 5 February, 1958, our famous Busby Babes played their last ever football match," Patrick Burns, a 64-year-old lifelong Manchester United fan, says to me while we are walking across Partizan Belgrade's pitch.
When we reach the centre of the field, three wreaths lie on the grass,
They were laid to mark the 68th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, in which 23 people lost their lives while returning from a European Cup match in Belgrade.
"Right in this centre circle, our captain Roger Byrne shook hands with Red Star Belgrade's Rajko Mitic," Burns continued, standing at the exact same spot.
"They loved playing football and this is the last place where they did that. I find being here as emotional, significant and important as the place where they died."
That is why Burns decided to come to Belgrade and organise a commemorative ceremony, linking the city with Munich and Manchester - cities forever connected by one of the greatest tragedies in football history.
A two-minute silence was observed and the names of those who lost their lives were read aloud.
Representatives of both Belgrade giants, Red Star and Partizan, made speeches, as well as Edward Ferguson, the UK ambassador in Serbia.
"God bless Red Star, Manchester United and Partizan," former Red Star captain Bosko Djurovski said.
The plan is that this kind of ceremony becomes an annual event.
Burns is working on that in unison with the representatives of both Partizan and Red Star - usually arch-rivals.
"This place deserves it, it is very special and inextricably linked with our heroes," Burns said.
Why Man Utd are taking their time over manager decisionpublished at 10:49 GMT 6 February
10:49 GMT 6 February
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Michael Carrick has made an impressive start to his second stint as Manchester United head coach.
Three games, three wins, with Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Marco Silva the managers beaten. A place in the top four - enough to secure a return to the Champions League next season - beckons, barely a month after many feared a second consecutive campaign with no European football.
Little wonder there are some observers who already think United should give Carrick the job permanently.
Most still caution against - for now.
United themselves are staying silent.
When they dismissed Ruben Amorim on 5 January, club insiders vowed to run a "proper process" during which they would assess all suitable candidates. Speaking to people with an understanding of the situation, that has not changed.
There are some very valid reasons why it might be quite a while before United announce their decision.
The Solskjaer example
When United sacked Jose Mourinho in December 2018, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was given the job until the end of the season.
It was hoped the club legend's general positivity could raise spirits.
The results were spectacular. United won the first eight games of Solskjaer's tenure, including a Premier League match at Tottenham and an FA Cup tie at Arsenal.
The only defeat in his first 17 games was at home to Paris St-Germain in the Champions League - a result United overturned three weeks later as a Marcus Rashford penalty completed a victory that ranks alongside any in the club's illustrious history.
Three weeks later, Solskjaer was given a three-year contract.
By that point, the fatigue many around the Norwegian felt was bound to affect his players - given the extra work demanded of them - had kicked in.
United won two and lost eight of their final 12 games.
That loss of form fuels the argument United blundered in moving too early and that Solskjaer would not have got the job had they waited until the summer.
A different man - Sir Jim Ratcliffe - is running football operations these days, but that historical example alone suggests United are better off waiting.
The World Cup conundrum
The other major reason to delay a decision is because a number of potential candidates who are currently in jobs will become available.
In the Premier League alone that includes Oliver Glasner, who has already said he will be leaving Crystal Palace,Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and Fulham's Silva.
Then there are the international managers.
England boss Thomas Tuchel spoke to United before and after the 2024 FA Cup final as the club deliberated about Erik ten Hag's future. United have also long been linked with Mauricio Pochettino, who is in charge of the US national side.
That duo, plus Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) and Julian Nagelsmann (Germany), are other highly regarded coaches likely to be on United's radar.
How Casemiro revived his Man Utd careerpublished at 09:42 GMT 6 February
09:42 GMT 6 February
Umir Irfan Football tactics correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Once, the Brazilian looked leggy and exposed in midfield. Now, Casemiro shines. The midfielder will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season - and it looks as if he will do so on a positive note. How has the veteran turned it around?
When Ruben Amorim was United's head coach, between November 2024 and January 2026, Casemiro had to play in a physically demanding role.
But his pre-season preparation was key in matching those demands this season, with the midfielder visibly leaner and stronger.
"Pre-season [is] a time to really grind, and really do some real work, then during the season you can focus more on the games themselves," he said about his summer.
In his short time as United head coach since replacing the sacked Amorim in January, Michael Carrick has improved the conditions that Casemiro has found himself in on the pitch.
Defensively, moving from Amorim's 5-2-3 shape, which required players to press high at times, to a more conservative and compact 4-4-2 shape has reduced the distances he has to cover.
Image caption,
Under Amorim, Casemiro was often left having to defend large spaces by himself...
Image caption,
By comparison, the defensive tactics Carrick has employed protect Casemiro far more, playing on his strengths
Admittedly, United have played teams that look to dominate the ball, but under Carrick, Casemiro is averaging 10.3km per 90 minutes compared to the 10.7km per 90 minutes he ran under Amorim.
In wide areas, particularly during the 2-0 win over Manchester City on 17 January, the full-back, winger and striker near the ball would come over to apply pressure alongside the closest United central midfielder. This reduced the distances Casemiro had to defend alone, allowing him to win the ball more effectively.
Conserving his energy and making the most of his actions is a theme that continues into his duelling statistics under Carrick. Casemiro has contested an average of 9.5 duels per 90 minutes under Carrick - compared to 12.6 under Amorim. His success rate, however, has jumped up from 51% to 58%.
In attack, Casemiro boasts five goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, one goal away from his most prolific league campaign ever.
With more non-penalty goals than Viktor Gyokeres, Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka, Casemiro's contributions in attack have put United in contention for Champions League qualification.
Man Utd mid-season friendly plans yet to be decidedpublished at 16:53 GMT 5 February
16:53 GMT 5 February
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Manchester United played post-season matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong last year
Earlier this season, Ruben Amorim admitted Manchester United would have to go on a mid-season money-making trip to help plug the hole in their finances created by missing out on Europe.
In their shortest season in living memory, just 40 games, United getting knocked out of the FA Cup has opened up three opportunities because of blank weekends.
The first of them is the 13-day gap between the trip to West Ham on 10 February and United's debut at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the encounter with Everton.
They are doing nothing then though.
The other spaces are the 11 days between the trip to Newcastle on 4 March and the home game with Aston Villa, which has just been put back to 15 March.
Then, when the March international break concludes, there is another 11-day gap to the home game with Leeds, which could yet be moved for broadcast on TV.
Saudi Arabia remains the most likely destination but Michael Carrick says nothing is certain.
"At this stage, there is nothing confirmed," he said.
"We're aware of the schedule and there are some spaces we can use in different ways.
Carrick on 100% start, Spurs challenge and Munich anniversarypublished at 15:03 GMT 5 February
15:03 GMT 5 February
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Old Trafford (kick-off 12:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Mason Mount is "not too far away" and Carrick hopes he won't be out "too long", while Matthijs de Ligt is "working his way back" from a lower back injury.
Carrick said his 100% start "helped get the whole group focused and alive".
He said he now has a clearer picture "of what direction we want to go in" and believes there is "a lot of growth in the team and squad".
Despite three wins in three, Carrick isn't getting carried away and said: "Feet on the ground, let's not get carried away. It's about what's next."
He is targeting "a big end to the season" and said "we're all aware of the bigger situation and what might happen", rather than worrying about the squad for next season.
Carrick is "aware" of gaps in the fixture schedule but said "nothing is confirmed" in terms of playing friendlies on these days.
On Friday's anniversary of the Munich air disaster, Carrick said: "It means a great deal. Sir Alex mentioned it when I came, it was important to him and us, it's a way of life for the club. It's important we carry it on."
Carrick has "really good memories" of his time as a Spurs player and said leaving the club to join Manchester United was "a big jump".
He expects Spurs to "bring a challenge" and momentum from Sunday's draw with Manchester City.
Man Utd aiming to end sorry Spurs recordpublished at 12:29 GMT 5 February
12:29 GMT 5 February
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United do not have fond memories of recent meetings with Tottenham.
Last season, they were beaten four times by Ange Postecogelou's side, culminating in the Europa League final which condemned United to having no European football this season for only the second time since 1990.
When the two sides met in London in November, United were cruising, only to concede twice in the final six minutes that meant they needed an even later Matthijs de Ligt goal to snatch a point.
United last beat Tottenham in October 2022. The seven players still at the club include Tom Heaton and Tyrell Malacia, who hardly figure these days.
If there was a good time to start addressing that lack of success, it is Saturday. United have won three games in a row under Michael Carrick, are fourth in the table and know the team two places below them (Liverpool) play the team two places above them (Manchester City) on Sunday.
Carrick will speak to the media today so he can attend the Munich air crash commemoration on Friday.
As a former Tottenham player, it will be interesting to hear his thoughts on the contest.
Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves, 28, who was linked with a January move to Manchester United among other clubs, has signed a contract extension at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal until June 2029. (Fabrizio Romano), external
'Champions League dream one Casemiro injury away from dissolving'published at 12:32 GMT 4 February
12:32 GMT 4 February
Alex Turk Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
It was the predictable outcome since Antoine Semenyo chose a move to Manchester City at the start of the month, but it is now official.
The Manchester United arrivals and departures suites were not required throughout the January transfer window. No one in, no one out.
United's stance all month: "We'll only move for new signings if a summer target becomes attainable earlier than expected."
Semenyo fitted that category - with United primed to pursue a winger at the end of the season. And he likely would have completed a £65m switch, had he not opted for the blue side of Manchester.
The new-look regime at Old Trafford are reluctant to accept quick fixes in a long-term project. After all, the previous decision-makers' short-term January signings did not exactly transform the team. Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer and Odion Ighalo come to mind...
That said, it is understandable that many fans are disappointed by the lack of ambition last month.
United's best signing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era - and arguably in Premier League history - Bruno Fernandes was a winter recruit.
As recently as last January, Ruben Amorim received Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in a £25m deal. Around a year to the day, Ayden Heaven landed from Arsenal for just £1m. Both transfers could prove to be bargains.
With just 14 games remaining, United are in an unexpected position. Fourth in the Premier League, six points off second.
Champions League qualification did noy feature on anyone's agenda at the dawn of the campaign. But now, with the wind in the Red Devils' sails under unbeaten interim boss Michael Carrick, it is right there for the taking.
United have taken a risk by snubbing midfield reinforcements until the summer's mammoth rebuild. Dreams of a Champions League return are one Casemiro injury away from dissolving.
Given the lack of success previous short-term fixes have brought, the fanbase should accept that calculated risk.
But if it backfires, especially if, say, City flourish after going out and signing two of the Premier League's best last month, scrutiny will intensify.
Man Utd right in the top-four racepublished at 09:03 GMT 4 February
09:03 GMT 4 February
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
The race for the Champions League places is white hot and Manchester United look as likely as Chelsea or Liverpool to finish in the top four.
I wrote last week about Michael Carrick allowing his players to express themselves and ensuring they were not stifled by systems or dragged down by dogmatic tactics. Against Fulham, they were buckling their swash once again.
There is no better example than the rebirth of Casemiro and I freely admit I did not think that would happen. Towering headers aside, his 'no look' pass for Matheus Cunha's goal was sport masquerading as art. It would be hard to imagine the Brazilian doing that a few games ago.
The no-look pass is not new, I played plenty of them myself, but this was a classic. It was not done for show, but for its devastating effect.
Other than a late resurgence from Fulham, United are now playing like talented human beings not data-driven automatons - in fact like the exciting United the supporters believe is in their DNA, not surprising because robots do not have DNA.
Gossip: Man Utd could move for Matetapublished at 08:03 GMT 4 February
08:03 GMT 4 February
Manchester United could rival Liverpool and Real Madrid for the £80m signing of Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, 21, in the summer. (Mirror), external
Manchester United could make a move for long-term striker target Jean-Philippe Mateta, 28, in the summer after the Frenchman's proposed deadline-day transfer from Crystal Palace to AC Milan fell through. (Mirror), external
Manchester United are also looking to bolster their midfield and Newcastle's Italy international Sandro Tonali, 25, is of interest. (Metro), external
Have Casemiro's recent performances been 'overhyped'?published at 14:59 GMT 3 February
14:59 GMT 3 February
Media caption,
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton was asked on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club whether he believes Manchester United should have exercised their option to extend Casemiro's contract.
"Is there a bit of over hype about Casemiro and his recent performances?" he said.
"He had a reasonable game at the weekend but, unless I'm missing something, are we suggesting he's had an incredible season?
"He's been a brilliant player but he doesn't have the legs he did have.
"He was one of the greatest midfielders in Europe in his pomp but he's not anymore. Let's not pretend that he is."
ð§ Carrick 'creating relationships individually' with Man Utd playerspublished at 10:50 GMT 3 February
10:50 GMT 3 February
Image source, Getty Images
On the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast from BBC Radio Manchester, Joe McGrath and Gaz Drinkwater discuss how Michael Carrick's approach with the Manchester United squad is helping get the best out of his players.
"You can see that Carrick has probably spent a good amount of one-on-one time with individual players," McGrath said.
"This is someone who is creating relationships individually with these United stars so they are working for him but also Carrick is working for them."
Drinkwater said: "A couple of players have mentioned when they're talking about Michael Carrick, how he tells them the things that they're good at rather than necessarily correcting the things they're not so great at.
"I don't know what's being said behind closed doors but Lisandro Martinez in particular said that he speaks to the heart.
"I think that when you pump players up and fill them with confidence, this is what you're going to get from them."