Last time the two played United caught them cold- now Spurs will miss several key players for this weekend’s game.
There is such a thng as a good time to play a team, and a bad time to play a team.
And that is dependent on the luck of the draw and the fixture schedule, and occasionally elements beyond anybody’s control.
Tottenham endured a bad August, their opening game against Everton was cancelled because of the London riots, and star player Luka Modric wanted out.
So when they traveled to Old Trafford, United had one game under their belts, plus the Community Shield.
Spurs only had a Europa League qualifier against Hearts which was as competitive as a pre-season friendly.
Modric missed the game due to his ‘psychological state’ and it was before Scott Parker or Emmanuel Adebayor had joined the club.
United cruised to a 3-0 win with goals from Danny Welbeck, Anderson, and Wayne Rooney.
After that Spurs went on a terrific run, but now United come to visit, it is again a case of bad timing.
Tottenham host the Red Devils on the back of a gutwrenching 5-2 loss to North London rivals Arsenal, and could miss several key players.
Newly appointed England captain Scott Parker is suspended, and Gareth Bale is now reported to be injured.
Add Rafael van der Vaart and first choice right-back Kyle Walker to the missing list and their task looks altogether more difficult.
The game is a huge challenge for Harry Redknapp’s side, who would have wanted to go into it on the back of a positive result at the Emirates and with a healthy squad.
Now his challenge is a lot tougher.
It may not be all bad news, Sir Alex Ferguson fears former player Louis Saha could come back to haunt him, while Adebayor has a decent record against United.
United still have questions over their midfield, and cannot expect miracles from Scholes and Giggs each game.
Spurs will give them a good test for sure, but not in the circumstances they would have liked.
– Have United caught a lucky break this weekend or can Spurs upset their title challenge.
image: © gordonflood.com
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