Manchester United’s hopes of maintaining their Premier League momentum have taken a dent, with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez both ruled out of Saturday’s crunch encounter against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Manager Ruben Amorim, who is still shaping his side’s identity since taking over from Erik ten Hag, will have to navigate the early kick-off without the duo as United aim to bounce back from their frustrating 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest last weekend. Mainoo, 19, has yet to start a league match this season, despite impressing during pre-season, and was once again left on the bench at the City Ground.
On the other hand, Martinez, who only recently returned to full training after a long injury layoff, has not been risked for the London trip. United’s medical team has reportedly advised caution to avoid a relapse, especially with the club’s congested November fixture list, which includes upcoming clashes against Newcastle United and Chelsea.
Both players were missing from the travelling squad that departed Manchester Airport for London on Friday afternoon, sparking debates among fans about squad depth and readiness ahead of one of their toughest away tests of the season.
In a surprise move, 18-year-old academy prospect Jack Fletcher has been drafted into the matchday squad for the first time this campaign. The highly-rated midfielder, son of United legend Darren Fletcher, has been turning heads in the youth setup and is tipped to make his senior debut if called upon by Amorim.
Amorim is expected to rely on the experience of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Harry Maguire to steady the ship against a Tottenham side managed by Ange Postecoglou, who has turned Spurs into one of the league’s most attacking outfits. The Portuguese coach will also be counting on Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford to deliver in front of goal after both players were on the scoresheet last week.
United, currently sitting sixth on the Premier League table, will be desperate for a statement result in London to keep pace with the top four. However, with two key players sidelined, Amorim’s tactical flexibility and squad depth are set for a serious test under the spotlight.
