Manchester United: Picking the Reds Starting XI to Beat Tottenham Hotspur

For most neutrals, Tottenham Hotspur have been the de-facto team to support; they have been enjoyable to watch all season. 

A stellar line-up coupled with an even more impressive manager in Harry Redknapp, Spurs have essentially lighted up the league.

They have dazzled spectators, stupefied opponents and ignited the Premier League with their exquisite, free-flowing football, reminiscent of Arsenal of old.

However, last week laid showcase to one of the most beautiful matches which saw Tottenham crumble against a resilient Arsenal side.

From two goals down, Arsene Wenger's resilient men turned the tide around and humiliated Tottenham.

Perhaps the England job might be the key distraction in the dressing room. 

This week, Tottenham face another stiff opposition, Manchester United, at White Hart Lane.

Manchester United only narrowly managed to win last week, with even Sir Alex Ferguson quoting: "Norwich deserved a point today and it was a great goal they scored, but at that moment you saw us as Manchester United."

The game at White Hart Lane very well may decide how the season spans out to be for these two teams.

In my own opinion, I think that Manchester United will beat Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday. 

Here's picking Manchester United XI to beat them. 

Goal Keeper: David De Gea

With Anders Lindegaard sidelined, there is not really any other viable option than David de Gea for this Sunday's fixture. 

Although, de Gea can sometimes be frustrating, expect him to make some crucial saves against Tottenham, like the one he did against Chelsea. 

Defenders

Patrice Evra:

Despite wavering in form, Patrice Evra is still one of the best left back's in the world. 

And for a big game like this, you need a seasoned veteran like Evra to man the left flank. 

Rio Ferdinand:

For such a big game, Rio Ferdinand's presence is a must. 

He still can defend very astutely, and his positioning abilities will be key against the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha. 

However, if Bale is played centrally, which I doubt, expect Ferdinand to give away a penalty. 

Phil Jones:

Tottenham are a team with several players who can burst through and make marauding runs. 

Phil Jones is capable of doing that for Manchester United.

Alex Ferguson might deploy him in the holding midfield position due to this attribute though.

Rafael:

Rafael was quite impressive against Chelsea and Liverpool after returning from injury. 

Particularly against Liverpool, he made great runs, and together with Antonio Valencia, gave Jose Enrique some nightmares. 

He might also be effective in neutralizing Bale like Bacary Sagna did when Tottenham faced Arsenal.

It will be a testing game for Rafael against someone of the caliber of Bale. 

Midfielders

Luis Nani and Ashley Young:

With Antonio Valencia sidelined due to injury, expect both Nani and Ashley Young to operate on the flanks and make incisive passes towards the center. 

Although, the two can be rendered inconsistent at times, they still have phenomenal ability and might be the key difference in unlocking Tottenham's defense. 

Michael Carrick: 

A man for all seasons; Sir Alex hardly goes into a big match without one of his most dependable players.

He is not as flashy as other midfielders are, but his passing and vision are exceptional. 

Paul Scholes:

Paul Scholes will most definitely enjoy another 90 minutes during this game. 

Although not as sharp as during his peak, his passing is still exceptional and can still score key goals, as we witnessed in the match against Norwich. 

Forwards

Wayne Rooney:

Expect Wayne Rooney to put in an exceptional performance on Sunday. There is a high chance that he will be playing after being sidelined in the game against Norwich. 

If Wayne Rooney does not feature, I will not be surprised to see Dimitar Berbatov in the starting lineup. 

Javier Hernandez:

The little pea can be deadly in providing that edge to unlock Tottenham's resilient defense.

A person who plays the offside trap quite well, he will ensure that the Spurs' defense don't press too high. 

Substitutes

In most likelihood, the following subs will be selected:

Ben Amos

Johnny Evans

Fabio

Ryan Giggs

Park Ji-Sung

Dimitar Berbatov

Let us all hope for a thrilling game at the Lane this Sunday, one as memorable as the North London Derby. 

Post match analysis will follow.

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Sir Alex Ferguson's Reign at Manchester United: 25 Magical Years Recapitulated