SCOTT McTOMINAY has returned to the Manchester United squad for tonight’s clash with Tottenham – as his team-mates joined him to check in to The Lowry. The United squad arrived at the hotel – where Jose Mourinho famously lived during his time as Red Devils chief – ahead of their crunch Premier League clash. McTominay, […]
SCOTT McTOMINAY has returned to the Manchester United squad for tonight’s clash with Tottenham – as his team-mates joined him to check in to The Lowry.
The United squad arrived at the hotel – where Jose Mourinho famously lived during his time as Red Devils chief – ahead of their crunch Premier League clash.
McTominay, 22, is set to be fit for the clash with Spurs after three games out with an ankle injury.
But the main focal point of the evening will be new Tottenham boss Mourinho preparing for his return to Old Trafford after a year away – having been sacked in December 2018.
The Portuguese chief, 56, has enjoyed a red-hot start to life as Spurs boss – having won all three of his first three games.
Mourinho has led Tottenham to 3-2 wins over West Ham and Bournemouth in the Prem and a 4-2 win over Olympiakos in the Champions League.
But Solskjaer will have every confidence in his squad’s ability to end Mourinho’s winning run – and is mulling over using a back-three for the game.
The United chief, who replaced Jose at Old Trafford, managed to beat Chelsea and hold Liverpool to a draw – their only dropped points in the league this season – using a back-three.
And with Anthony Martial set to miss out on the game after injuring himself against Aston Villa on Sunday, Solskjaer could use a back-three to add width in the form of wing-backs.
Ahead of the game, United boss Solskjaer claimed Mourinho would receive a glowing reception from the home crowd.
The Norwegian said: “He will get a very good reception, that’s just a testament to this club and these supporters, of course.
“They remember the two-and-a-half years, he won trophies.
“So, for me, I’m 100 per cent sure our fans, staff and club will welcome him.”
After a sensational start to life at United – initially as interim boss – Solskjaer’s record has cooled drastically since.
I’ve had 50 games [as Man Utd boss] and it was a club that wasn’t where it should have been and isn’t where we want to be now and have to improve.
Solskjaer on improving
In fact, United now must win their next three matches just for the Norwegian to edge ahead of Mourinho’s record of 26 points from 17 matches before his sacking last term.
The Red Devils currently have 18 points from 14 – good enough for just tenth in the Premier League.
When asked about replacing the Special One last season – and his own current record – Solskjaer coyly replied: “I can’t remember the league position.
“But I’ve had 50 games now since then and it was a club that wasn’t where it should have been and isn’t where we want to be now and have to improve.
“We’re working hard to do that right and when you change manager halfway through the season it isn’t where it wants to be.
“I don’t think whoever the manager of the opposition team is will change [the players’] motivation.
“They’re motivated to do well for Man Utd, for themselves [and] for us as a group going forward.
“They also know it’s about improving every day in training, but every time you step onto that pitch, it’s a chance to be a part of this long-term.
“That’s always been the case at Man Utd when you put the shirt on, it doesn’t matter who you play against, you’ve got to give it your all.
“We ended up sixth last season, we want to improve on that.”
