Spurs v Man United Combined XI: Fernandes are Kane make the cut
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Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United on Friday night, with both sides still in with a real shout of European qualification for next season.
A Spurs win at 19/10 would bring them right back into contention, but if United (23/10) nick it, they will really start to believe they can bring Champions League nights back to Old Trafford.
It’s got all the makings for a classic – it’s 17/20 for Over 2.5 Goals – with quality players on show, so we’ve racked our brains and come up with a combined XI on this season’s performances so far…
GK – David de Gea
De Gea hasn’t been at his imperious best this season, but he’s proved a reliably consistent figurehead in United’s team for years.
It’s this assuredness that sees him picked ahead of Hugo Lloris, who may need Spurs to bring in a new keeper to keep him on his toes.
RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka’s move to Manchester United has highlighted his need to improve in forward areas, especially his crossing and off-the-ball running. But the full-back’s defensive ability and recovery runs have been vital in United having the fourth-best rearguard in the league.
A player that will only get better, Wan-Bissaka has got to be a shoo-in at right back.
CB – Toby Alderweireld
Spurs may be sitting in eighth position right now but Alderweireld is a pillar of consistency in the heart of the back-four.
In an alternative universe, the Belgian could have been playing for United on Friday, but he’ll be tasked with stopping the Red Devils instead.
CB – Harry Maguire
Manchester United named Harry Maguire skipper this season. Whether this is a sign of Maguire’s growing stature in the game or Man United’s perils, the England international has helped shore up a leaky defence.
With Jan Vertonghen not at his best this season, and injury problems for some of United’s other centre backs – Maguire takes the mantle.
LB – Brandon Williams
Four or five years ago, Spurs would have the full-back positions locked down. But with no Kyle Walker, Danny Rose or Kieran Trippier anymore it’s time we looked to England’s future.
Luke Shaw has been solid for United this season, but in a left-centre back role, which has allowed Williams to flourish on the left-hand side. With the Euros not untill next year, Williams could have timed his emergence to perfection.
CM – Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese international has had a transformative effect on Man United since his January arrival.
Silky, yet gets stuck in – sounds like a fan favourite already? You bet! Fernandes could be the watershed signing for this new United side, if he can flourish alongside Paul Pogba then things could get exciting!
CM – Giovani Lo Celso
Feeling a bit United-centric so far? Lo Celso had a slow start to his Spurs career but has really taken the bull by the horns in the second part of this season.
With Christian Eriksen being sold to Inter Milan, it’s allowed Lo Celso to sparkle and show his full potential.
A player that Jose Mourinho must start to build something around just like we’re doing here!
CM – Fred
#FredTheRed was the hashtag that trended following the Brazilian’s arrival in 2018. Another player who’s been a slow burner but was putting in big performances when United really needed some steel this campaign.
On another day, in another season Pogba would command this role, but with the Frenchman having being injured, it’s Fred who takes the final midfield spot.
ST – Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford was all set for his best scoring season to date with 14 league goals, before injury struck. The England man looked more refined, tougher and with an extra ruthlessness that kept Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side ticking.
He’s back and ready to lead the line again, Rashford is only going to get better from here.
ST – Harry Kane
Harry Kane scores goals and all types of them. Another player who would surely be on more than 11 league goals this term if weren’t for injury.
He’d probably play as a number nine in our team but can also drop off into pockets leaving room for nippy forwards to run in behind.
ST – Anthony Martial
It’s a toss up here between Martial and Lilywhites’ Lucas Moura. We’ve given the nod to Martial, but Moura has really stepped up his game especially with the likes of Kane and Son Heung-Min out for so long.
The United forward hasn’t had the smoothest of rides but stepped up his output before the league’s suspension that gets him in.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.
