The Premier League's Saturday lunchtime kick-off features a fascinating clash of trajectories at the Theatre of Dreams this February 7, 2026. Manchester United, rejuvenated under interim boss Michael Carrick, look to cement their place in the top four, while Tottenham Hotspur and manager Thomas Frank are desperate to ignite their 2026 campaign.
The match carries added emotional weight as Old Trafford commemorates the anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, with fans gathering pre-match to pay their respects to the "Busby Babes."
Match Details
Fixture: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 25)
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 12:30 GMT / 07:30 ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Referee: Michael Oliver
VAR: Paul Tierney
Pre-Match Analysis
Manchester United: The Carrick Bounce
Since taking over following the departure of Rúben Amorim, Michael Carrick has worked wonders. United are the only Premier League team yet to lose a game in 2026, entering this fixture on the back of three straight league wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, and a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham.
Currently sitting in 4th place (41 points), the Red Devils have found a new clinical edge. Summer signing Bryan Mbeumo has been a revelation, providing the goal-scoring threat United lacked last season, while Bruno Fernandes continues to lead the league in assists. With a five-point gap to close on 3rd-place Aston Villa, Carrick knows a win here would make his "caretaker" tag increasingly hard for the board to maintain.
Tottenham: Searching for a Spark
In stark contrast, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham have struggled to find their rhythm in the new year. Despite winning the Europa League final against United just seven months ago, Spurs sit in a lowly 14th place (29 points) and are still searching for their first league win of 2026.
However, there were signs of life in their last outing—a spirited second-half comeback to draw 2-2 with Manchester City, courtesy of a Dominic Solanke brace. Spurs have a remarkably strong recent record at Old Trafford, having done the double over United last season, and Frank will be hoping that psychological edge can overcome their current injury crisis.
Team News & Injury Reports
Manchester United Team News
Out: Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Patrick Dorgu (hamstring) are ruled out.
Doubtful: Mason Mount is a major doubt after a knock in training; Carrick described him as "not too far away" but unlikely to start.
Key Return: Senne Lammens continues his impressive run in goal as the undisputed #1.
Player to Watch: Matheus Cunha. Deputizing on the left flank, he has scored in successive games and offers a creative spark that has unsettled defenses lately.
Tottenham Team News
Spurs are currently navigating a massive injury list:
Out: James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Pedro Porro, and Richarlison are all sidelined.
Defensive Crisis: Ben Davies, Kevin Danso, and Rodrigo Bentancur are also out.
Doubtful: Djed Spence (calf) is "touch and go" according to Thomas Frank.
Player to Watch: Dominic Solanke. The striker is in peak form, having scored twice against Man City last week, and remains Spurs' most reliable route to goal.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Bryan Mbeumo.
Tottenham (3-4-2-1):
Vicario; Palhinha, Romero, Van de Ven; Gray, Gallagher, Sarr, Udogie; Odobert, Simons; Dominic Solanke.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Reverse Fixture: The sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in November 2025, with Matthijs de Ligt scoring a 96th-minute equalizer.
Recent Form: Tottenham beat United four times across three competitions last season, including the Europa League final.
Home vs Away: United average 1.92 goals per game at Old Trafford this season, but have conceded 15 in 12 home league games.
The 2026 Streak: United are unbeaten in their last five league matches; Spurs are winless in their last five.
Prediction: Manchester United 2–2 Tottenham
While United arrive as the form team, this fixture has a habit of defying logic. Spurs’ injury-depleted squad showed immense character against Man City, and Solanke’s current form makes him a nightmare for any defense. United’s backline remains somewhat leaky, and given the high-scoring history between these two, a goal-filled draw feels like the most probable outcome.
Top Betting Tips:
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes. 75% of United's matches this season have seen both teams find the net.
Anytime Scorer: Dominic Solanke. He is the focal point of the Spurs attack and thrived at Old Trafford in the past.
Result: Draw. Spurs have the tactical setup to frustrate Carrick’s high-pressing style.
