How Carrick's Manchester United can finally beat Tottenham

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United's winless streak against Tottenham almost feels historical at this point. Despite United's glorious all-time advantage in this match-up, Spurs have had the upper hand over us lately, with our last win coming all the way back in October 2022.

However, Michael Carrick has the opportunity to change that negative record on Saturday, presenting a chance for United to get one over their bogey team and truly seize the day.

So, how can Carrick's United finally beat Tottenham?

1) Turn the bogey team narrative on its head

Tottenham may have dominated recent meetings, beating United four times last season - including a dreaded final that we do not want to speak about anymore - but their recent form definitely offers an opening.

Spurs are without a Premier League win so far in 2026, with their most recent win coming all the way back on 28th December 2025. Since then, they have got some impressive victories in Europe, but on the other hand, they have had four draws and two defeats in the league.

Meanwhile, United have started to build belief under Carrick. Three wins on the bounce - including very impressive ones against the top two, Manchester City and Arsenal, show that Carrick has made the team resilient, confident, and instilled a winning mentality that was clearly missing under Ruben Amorim.

Carrick is not getting carried away, but he is embedding a culture of positivity and pragmatism that United have lacked for far too long.

2) Tottenham's poor form - and why it matters

On current form, Spurs lack any form of momentum. While they recovered to get a draw against City last weekend, the result only masked far deeper issues, such as inconsistency, defensive lapses, and a sheer lack of cutting edge.

Thomas Frank's side have shown flashes of quality, but they are also winless in six Premier League games this year, and are also on course to follow up their terrible domestic 2024/25 season with another atrocious campaign.

Spurs simply need a win, as they are currently just nine points above the drop zone, and if results do not go their way, they could well be in trouble over the final few weeks.

Conversely, Carrick's United are a sharper and more resilient unit. United have not just tightened up at the back with more last-ditch defending, but they have also significantly added goals to their repertoire, a stark contrast to the ragged attacking identity that plagued their campaign last season.

Given the stark difference between the two sides' campaigns this season, United will come into the game as favourites, but they will also need to play on the lack of confidence present within the Spurs end. Get an early goal and play on their nerves.

3) Tactical match-ups that favour United

United seem to be more in tune with their tactics than Spurs are, with Frank failing to impose his style of play on a team that is struggling for any form of discipline.

On the other hand, Carrick has found the winning formula with a disciplined double pivot and smarter pressing triggers. Kobbie Mainoo's return to the line-up has helped United control transitions and break lines, while Casemiro shores up the midfield and Bruno Fernandes pushes forward to influence the attack.

United have also been efficient - really efficient - in the final third under Carrick, particularly set-pieces and also when it comes to scoring from areas that Spurs may struggle to defend.

Additionally, United are unbeaten in Carrick's three matches, all of which they have had less possession than the opposition. This highlights their resilience off the ball, with United picking and choosing when to press, focusing on tightening up in midfield.

4) Tottenham's weaknesses that can be exploited

Tottenham have shown plenty of weak points throughout the season, with the players failing to pick up any sort of rhythm under Frank.

The main issue has been Tottenham's defensive shape, with them being very prone to individual mistakes. This is something that United's forwards, especially the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad, can punish. Spurs concede more poorly defended situations than you would expect from a Frank side, which tend to be more focused on structure.

United's full-backs, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot, have also looked very sharp and adventurous since Carrick took over. As a result, Tottenham's tendency to rely on wing play could end up turning against them. Overlapping runs can stretch Tottenham's backline and create pockets of space for United's creative players to thrive in.

5) Old Trafford, the fans, the occasion

One thing is for certain: the fans will be fully behind the team.

Playing at Old Trafford will give United a huge boost, as when the mood is positive, there is no ground more difficult to play at as a visiting team.

Additionally, United will be marking 68 years since the tragic Munich Air Disaster only a day before the match, and the fans are expected to be in full voice to support the team and pay their respect to the 23 individuals who tragically lost their lives on that ill-fated day.

Carrick has rebuilt that connection between the club, the players and the fans in a short space of time, and there are arguably few better contenders to lead the team out on such a day, given how much he knows the club, knowing how vital a moment in United's history that tragic day was.

The stage is set for a standout performance from Carrick's United, a display that could put the label of Spurs as a bogey team totally in the bin. A win on Saturday signals a clear statement from Carrick and Manchester United, on a day that simply means more.