Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will meet in the first Premier League match of the new season on Saturday lunchtime, but what should we look out for in one of this weekend’s biggest matches?
1. Philosophy
It was a difficult campaign last season for Manchester United, but Louis van Gaal ultimately did what was expected of him in finishing in the top four, albeit sometimes in uninspiring fashion.
The only time his side really played the attacking football so many expected of the Dutchman was in a six game winning run towards the end of last season. Now, having signed players in key positions, all of whom were part of the pre-season meticulously planned by the United boss, van Gaal’s team should be making a better start to this campaign than last.
Likewise, Mauricio Pochettino has a year as Spurs’ boss behind him, and so his pressing style should be more affective this term.
2. Sam Johnstone
After Louis van Gaal confirmed David de Gea will not play in this game, Sam Johnstone looks like the most likely option to play in goal against Spurs.
Other United ‘keepers Victor Valdes and Anders Lindegaard have both been told they can leave the club, whilst Sergio Romero isn’t likely to be fit. Therefore, Johnstone looks set to be thrown in against Spurs, playing his first ever competitive game for the club.
He will need to assert himself quickly in the game, otherwise Spurs could have a lot of chances in the match. If Johnstone puts in an impressive performance though it will be interesting to see if he can break into the first team this season, and possibly become the club’s first choice ‘keeper.
3. Daley Blind
Despite his undoubted versatility, concerns remain over Daley Blind playing at centre back. For all his qualities on the ball and playing it forward, it remains to be seen whether he can cope with the pace and physicality of the Premier League at the heart of the defence.
Blind has played all four pre-season games in the position, and van Gaal has said he is likely to start there in the Tottenham match. This game will be a true test of the Dutch international’s defensive credentials, especially if he goes up against Spurs’ Harry Kane in full flow.
Blind is comfortable on the ball, but his performance off it will be more defining against Spurs. If he doesn’t play at the required standard, expect fans to renew their calls for a new centre back.
4. Central Midfield
United have recruited well in this position in the Summer, but the combination of the two or three central midfielders van Gaal chooses will be interesting.
Van Gaal has said Schweinsteiger is unlikely to play due to fitness issues, meaning United will probably start with Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin as deep-lying midfielders. Whether that duo will prove too similar as a partnership remains to be seen, but one will certainly need to drive the midfield further forward than had been seen in pre-season.
Ander Herrera had a great end to last season but hasn’t started a game in pre-season, so it may come as a surprise if he is involved. Should that happen, there may even be a formation change from the 4-2-3-1 van Gaal used throughout the pre-season tour.
5. Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay has played as a number ten in pre-season, though it had been expected he would play as a left winger, as he did with PSV last season. He may even play there for United against Spurs, depending on the formation, but it will be interesting to see how he plays in the Premier League for the first time.
The Dutchman showed glimpses of brilliance in the friendly games, notably linking up well with Juan Mata. If United come out of the game having impressed, however, much of the side’s play will likely have had to go through Memphis.
Furthermore though, United now finally have a free-kick specialist in the team. Memphis will provide a real threat from free-kicks, with the Dutchman scoring an incredible seven goals from the dead ball situation with PSV last season. A similar output for United this term will add an invaluable added goal threat in the side.
