Manchester United v Tottenham LIVE: Premier League team news and line-ups as Son Heung-min ruled out

As for Man United, there’s been a lot of talk over Bruno Fernandes’ lack of end product – one assist and no goals so far this term from five games. Nobody for the team has actually netted more than once or assisted more than once in the Premier League, however.

But is Fernandes underperforming in terms of execution, or merely playing poorly and not contributing?

He has a combined xG for the season of only 1.9, not high considering he’s still averaging 3.5 shots per 90, and six chances created isn’t high for him either. Missing three big chances is his biggest downfall so far though – while Zirkzee and Garnacho have missed four apiece.

Son hasn’t been Spurs’ go-to man for taking chances this season, but he has certainly been a creative force for them. His four big chances created is the highest in the squad this term, as are his 13 key passes in total.

But in Kulusevski and Maddison they still have two outlets who are laying on the chances and capable of adding goals too – Maddison netted his first of the season last week, though he’s back in central midfield rather than an attacking role now.

A big miss to not have Son, but also a big chance for Timo Werner – it’s his first start of the campaign and he has only 38 minutes of Premier League action to his name so far.

The eyebrow-raising pairing of James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield continues, so it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top of that particular battle, with Christian Eriksen removed from United’s engine room this time around.

An hour until kick-off at Old Trafford; a win for the hosts today will send them above Spurs and up to eighth. Spurs can go to the same position if they take the three points, while a draw leaves both in the same positions as now, tenth and eleventh.

Not where either one wants to be.

Spurs are ahead of United on goal difference, scoring four more this term, with both conceding five.

No Son Heung-min for Spurs – and Ugarte makes his first league start for United!

Son Heung-min misses out after limping off Tottenham’s win over Qarabag in midweek. He is replaced by Timo Werner, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski also starting in an attacking line-up named by Ange Postecoglou.

Manuel Ugarte makes his first start for Manchester United. He replaces Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee all start.

Man Utd XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Fernandes, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Rashford.

Spurs XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Maddison, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Werner; Solanke.

Team news coming up in just a few minutes – the big questions will be over whether Ten Hag starts Rashford or Amad on the wings, with Garnacho now looking a likely starter once more.

Whether Ugarte starts in midfield is another debate, while Spurs are hoping for Son to be fit.

Ten Hag on his team’s need to control the match today:

“I think it will be a very intensive game,” the United manager said. “It is always against Tottenham. I think it is our style as well, so I think it is going to be a very dynamic, attractive game.

“Of course every opponent has strengths and weaknesses and Tottenham have their strengths definitely. In their philosophy they are very clear, very attacking but that leaves also space, but that is what they take into account. Maybe that can help but you have to be very good against Tottenham.

“If you want to control the game, then you need again a high performance level and then we will create again, I am sure, and then it’s about taking your chances.”

The 30-year-old attacking midfielder joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2020 and is United’s most successful signing since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Fernandes signed a new and improved deal until 2027, with the option of a further year, on the eve of a season that he has yet to set alight. The Portugal international has provided four assists but has yet to find the net ahead of taking on Tottenham this Sunday.

“I think the team brings him now in the situation,” Ten Hag said. “I think he is capable, and he has proven this so many years already in the Premier League that he can create many chances. I am convinced this season he will not do differently. He will come and respond, he will find his form and he is already creating chances, but he will make final passes, he will score goals 100 per cent and it’s just a matter of time.”