6 players who will be crucial for Solskjaer against Tottenham Hotspur
The D-Day is almost here. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won all of his first five games after taking over as a caretaker manager at Manchester United, but his first real test comes this weekend, against a phenomenal Tottenham Hotspur side. Mauricio Pochettino's team are 10 points ahead of United, but they have scored just 3 more goals. However, they have also conceded 11 fewer goals, which is the reason why they are currently third in the table.
United will be looking for avenge the 3-0 defeat from the home game, but Solskjaer will be aware of the threat possessed by the opposition. Tottenham have lost 5 games already this season, the same as United, which will give United the belief that they can nick a result from Wembley.
Tottenham were beaten convincingly by Wolves at the end of December at home, so Solskjaer will know that with the right tactics, he stands a chance to continue his good start to the season. And he will also rely on these 6 players, who will be crucial for Manchester United against Tottenham at Wembley.
#6 Victor Lindelof
The Swede has been phenomenal for Solskjaer so far, displaying the confidence and technical abilities that led to him being labeled the Ice-man at Benfica. Victor Lindelof has been strong in defense, has shown a stellar understanding of the game and has also been the pick of the defenders in recent times. However, it is also his development as a player that has been one of the biggest positives for Manchester United at the start of the new year.
Lindelof had a mixed time under Mourinho this season, but was showing hints of regaining his form during the later stages. On Solskjaer's appointment, the Swede finally received the support he deserved. With the team laid out in an attacking formation, Lindelof's on the ball abilities and passing range instantly came to the fore. He found a lot of space to maneuver his skills and the runners in front of him gave him a lot of options to move the ball. The presence of a consistent defensive pairing also helped him regain confidence and control.
Lindelof is averaging 48 passes per game this season and has registered 25 tackles so far, the most among the central defenders at United. He gave a stellar display of strength against Newcastle, where he successfully kept Rondon at bay, earning United the first clean sheet under Solskjaer. Against Tottenham, the Swede will have to be at his best again and will have to marshall his defense against one of the best attacks of the Premier League.