Manchester United face Tottenham at Old Trafford amid crisis talk

Old Trafford hosts north London crisis narrative

If “Dr Tottenham” is a thing, Manchester United possess their own healing powers for opponents. Self-harm is a factor too. They rolled out the welcome mat to Premier League newcomers Hull on opening day and Brighton were ushered back into a Carabao Cup tie.

In United’s final game before the international break flagging Fulham were able to restore some faith, their goal via slapstick defending from Lisandro Martínez and Senne Lammens.

Can Old Trafford, where fans will have regulatory matters at City to celebrate, lift the gloom for Tottenham? This season, like last season and the one before that, Spurs have assumed the mantle of crisis club, a status Michael Carrick’s January arrival temporarily removed from United.

Lose to Tottenham, and the crisis prefix is likely to be reattached. Tottenham have done damage before. In September 2024, a 3-0 Spurs win at Old Trafford began Erik ten Hag’s hurtle towards the exit. Losing the Europa League final started Ruben Amorim’s downward spiral.