Notebook - Spurs vs Man Utd

Our Premier League campaign continues this evening as we host Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 8.15pm).

Ahead of the match, here are the game’s key points of note…

1 - Ryan takes charge

Following Cristian Stellini’s departure on Monday, Ryan Mason has been appointed as our Acting Head Coach until the end of the season. As a former player and member of our coaching staff in roles across the Club since April, 2018, Ryan knows exactly what it means to represent us, saying it is a ‘privilege’ and he will ‘work relentlessly’ to ensure we fight for the badge in our remaining fixtures.

Watch - Ryan on need for a reaction and togetherness ahead of United clash

2 - Games coming thick and fast

After Sunday’s disappointing defeat against Newcastle United, a quick turnaround to this evening gives us a chance to regroup and fully focus on an important clash against Manchester United. With both sides vying for a return to the Champions League next season, a win could see us reduce the gap with United in fourth to three points – who have two games in hand – before we travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday.

3 - Defensive reinforcements

Clement Lenglet and Ben Davies both returned to the bench at St James’ Park and could feature in some capacity against the Red Devils. Ryan will make a late selection decision on both defenders ahead of this evening's clash with their presence in our match day squad a big boost to our defensive unit.

4 – Tough times against United

We haven’t had the easiest of times against Manchester United in the Premier League in recent seasons, losing the last four meetings since our 6-1 win at Old Trafford in October, 2020. When playing at home, we have won just three of our last 21 games against the Red Devils (D7 L11), last winning 2-0 at home with Christian Eriksen, now of United, giving us the lead after 11 seconds in January, 2018.

Highlights: Spurs 2-0 Man Utd | 2017/18

5 – No time for a tie

A draw has been a rare sight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with not a single one occurring in a run stretching back 26 Premier League games (W18 L8). In fact, in terms of goalless draws, it has been 108 games since we have played out a stalemate at home - the longest run without a 0-0 home draw in England’s top-flight. With 78 of those games coming at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it makes our north London home just one of three grounds to never to see a scoreless draw in the competition (Burnden Park and Oakwell Stadium).

6 – Harry one off a home century

Harry Kane scored his 207th Premier League goal against the Magpies last time out, bringing him one behind former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney in second on the competition's all-time goalscorers' list. Our Club record scorer is also one away from a century of home league goals, and could be the first player to hit this milestone for both home and away strikes in the Premier League.

7 - Turnaround under Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has had a respectable first season at the helm. Bringing silverware back to Old Trafford for the first time since May, 2017 with February's Carabao Cup success, he has also brought the Red Devils back into contention for a top four finish this season. Despite getting knocked out by Sevilla in the Europa League, the Dutchman also has a chance to double his trophy tally as United boss with an upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City in June.

8 - Rashford's revival

One player who has benefitted from Dutch manager Ten Hag's management is Marcus Rashford. The England forward is enjoying his best Premier League season in front of goal (15) - scoring 10 in his first 10 league appearances following the World Cup break - although he has slowed slightly since with just one in his last five.

9 – United’s defensive away record

The Red Devils have conceded 29 away goals in the league this season, only conceding more on the road in a single campaign last term (35). They travel to N17 without first-choice central defenders Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane - who have forged an excellent partnership at the back this season - after Ten Hag confirmed they remain sidelined through injury.