The wait is almost over. After a long, long summer, there is less than 48 hours to go until Tottenham travel to Old Trafford to kick-off this year’s Premier League season.
Here at Read Tottenham, our build-up to the big game continues with our first edition of ‘Fan’s Corner’ – a Q & A with a fan of our opponents.
In the hotseat this week is James Browning, who is Head Editor of Read Man Utd:
So, James, the wait is finally over. How have United done in pre-season?
With wins against Club America, San Jose Earthquakes and Barcelona, we were looking likely to retain the International Champions Cup following last year’s triumph. However, we were sloppy against PSG and mistakes at the back cost us. I do think that the defeat could be a blessing in disguise though, as it means the players will know not to get too complacent.
You could well be right, there. United have made a number of signings over the summer, most of which I assume have featured in those games. How have they settled in?
Matteo Darmian looks like he’s been playing for United all his life – he’s a brilliant outlet down the right wing and is a more than capable defender. Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger both also have the mentality to succeed; their talents haven’t been fully exhibited yet but I’m sure they’ll grow into their roles sooner rather than later. Memphis has shown flashes of what he might be able to do for us this season and is bonding well with Luke Shaw in particular.
Sounds like it’s all coming together. Do you think any of them will be United’s biggest threat on Saturday? Or someone else?
Luke Shaw. Forgive me for choosing a defender, but Shaw overlapping Young and Memphis during pre-season was our best threat in terms of direct runs and well-aimed crosses. Taking the ball to the by-line and whipping it in for Rooney, he’s bound to pick up quite a few assists this season!
Interesting choice. Certainly something to keep an eye on. And what about Spurs? Who do you think will be the biggest threat to United come the weekend?
Nacer Chadli. I know Kane and Eriksen are probably the favourites to threaten our back four but Chadli is one of my favourite players in the league – I was really hoping we’d bring him to Old Trafford before he joined Spurs! I love his style of play and if he’s allowed to play as a secondary striker he’ll cause us problems.
He’s certainly underated by many. On the whole how do you think you’ll do this season?
In the league, I’ll be disappointed if we don’t come at least third. I’d love a run in the FA Cup, and would ideally want to beat Arsenal in one of the earlier rounds – nobody wants to see them win it three times in a row! We’ll take the Champions League as it comes; after all, we’re yet to properly qualify.
That’s true. You certainly have a lot of trophies to compete for this year. And what about Spurs? How do you think we’ll do?
Unless a couple of signings are made, I’d say 6th is probably what Spurs are looking at. Liverpool have strengthened well, but not well enough to push the top 4 all too hard, and Spurs are in the same boat; not quite ready for the Champions League but definitely not finishing outside the Europa League places.
That seems like a fair prediction. And finally – the burning question – what will the score be on Saturday?
I was at Old Trafford earlier this year when we won 3-0 and frankly dismantled Spurs in the first half – I’m thinking we could see a similar game on United’s part but I do expect a bit more grit from Spurs. I’ll go with 3-1!
For our readers’ sake I hope you’re wrong! Thanks for your time.
