As Tottenham prepare to face Manchester United this Sunday, both clubs find themselves in dire straits.
Considered Premier League heavyweights, both sides are languishing in the bottom half of the table, failing to generate any real momentum in their campaigns.
Their cup performances have been equally underwhelming, with early exits and subpar performances leaving their respective fanbases frustrated.
Neither Tottenham nor United have managed to string together a consistent run of wins, and the pressure is mounting on their managers, Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim, to turn things around.
With both clubs at a crossroads, this fixture could be a defining moment in their seasons.
Postecoglou’s Tottenham: An Injury Crisis and Lack of Depth
When Postecoglou arrived at Tottenham, he brought with him a fresh, attacking philosophy that initially won fans over.
However, as the season has progressed, Spurs’ shortcomings have been ruthlessly exposed. The biggest issue plaguing the North London club is their extensive injury list.
At times, Postecoglou has been without more than half of his preferred starting XI, with key players such as James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, and Cristian Romero missing significant portions of the season.
This crisis has left Tottenham struggling to maintain the intensity required to compete on multiple fronts.
“It’s difficult to judge a manager when you have so many problems within a side.”
Sue Smith expresses sympathy for Ange Postecoglou as he tackles Tottenham Hotspur’s injury crisis 🤕pic.twitter.com/txvBeVY0GK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 10, 2025
Another major concern is the club’s failure to strengthen the squad adequately in the transfer window.
Despite being linked with several reinforcements, Spurs failed to bring in the necessary depth to compete effectively in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.
This has led to overreliance on a core group of players, many of whom are suffering from pure fatigue after playing twice a week since the end of 2024.
With limited squad rotation available, Tottenham have looked sluggish and devoid of energy in recent matches, exacerbating their struggles.
Amorim’s Man Utd: A System Change Without Success
Ruben Amorim took charge of Manchester United after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, but his tenure has yet to yield positive results.
Unlike many new managerial appointments that bring an initial bounce, Amorim’s arrival has been met with continued struggles.
One of the biggest issues has been his decision to implement a new tactical system, shifting United to a three-at-the-back formation.
While this approach worked well for him at Sporting, it has yet to translate successfully at Old Trafford, with players seemingly uncomfortable and confused in their new roles.
Beyond tactical changes, United’s squad remains filled with players who have been underperforming.
The likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Casemiro, and Andre Onana have failed to meet expectations, leaving Amorim without the necessary quality to execute his vision.
🔴🏆 Diogo Dalot: “We can win a Premier League title with Rúben Amorim. I think realistically we can win”.
“But then it becomes the most difficult thing to hear as a fan: that it will take time”. pic.twitter.com/iZS4DnZIPh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 10, 2025
Many of these players were either panic buys or remnants of previous regimes, highlighting the lack of a clear transfer strategy at the club.
Until Amorim can reshape the squad in his image, United will likely continue to struggle for consistency.
Ownership Issues at Tottenham and Manchester United
Both Tottenham and Manchester United’s struggles extend beyond the pitch. Their respective ownership groups have come under fire for failing to prioritise footballing success over business interests.
At Tottenham, Daniel Levy remains a divisive figure. While he has overseen the club’s growth into a financial powerhouse, his reluctance to spend heavily on proven talent has been a major source of frustration for fans.
Spurs have a state-of-the-art stadium and training facilities, yet their squad lacks the depth required to compete at the highest level.
Levy’s focus on balancing the books has led to cautious spending in the transfer market, leaving managers like Postecoglou with limited options when injuries strike.
Manchester United’s issues stem from INEOS’ recent influence over the club. Since acquiring a stake in United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have been keen to cut costs and streamline operations.
However, their focus on financial prudence has not endeared them to the fanbase. Instead of making bold moves to strengthen the squad, United have been reluctant to spend, and their decision-making has lacked the ambition required to restore the club to its former glory.
INEOS’ inability to connect with supporters has further alienated an already frustrated fanbase, making Amorim’s job even harder.
Time For Change.
Time To Stand Up.
Time to join us in the protest.
Full details below… pic.twitter.com/SHb9JWZ8Hp
— 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐦 (@ChangeForSpurs) February 7, 2025
Why Haven’t Postecoglou and Amorim Been Sacked?
Despite their struggles, both managers remain in charge. Postecoglou has been granted some leeway due to the unprecedented injury crisis at Tottenham.
Even his critics acknowledge that no manager could thrive with the number of key absences Spurs have endured this season. Given the promising start he made, the club is willing to give him time to turn things around once his squad is fully fit.
Amorim, on the other hand, is still in the early days of his tenure. Sacking him now would be seen as an admission of failure by United’s board, which would further damage their credibility.
Amorim is still trying to implement his philosophy and stamp his authority on the squad. While results have been poor, United are likely to give him more time to fully reshape the team before making any drastic decisions.
How Can Spurs and United Salvage Their Seasons?
With their Premier League campaigns seemingly beyond repair, both Tottenham and Manchester United must turn their focus to cup competitions.
For Spurs, the Europa League represents their best chance at silverware and redemption.
Winning the competition would not only end their long trophy drought but also secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, providing a much-needed boost after a disappointing league campaign.
United, too, must look to the Europa League as their main target. With Champions League qualification via the Premier League looking increasingly unlikely, securing the Europa League title would be a vital achievement.
Additionally, the FA Cup offers another potential route to salvaging their season. Winning domestic silverware would provide Amorim with credibility and potentially buy him more time to implement his vision at the club.
A Manchester United fan group have written an open letter to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, calling on the club to freeze ticket prices and “end the war on season ticket holders” 👇 pic.twitter.com/BSvvwkEYBu
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 27, 2025
Will Either Manager Survive?
As Tottenham and Manchester United prepare to face off, both managers find themselves under immense pressure.
A heavy defeat could push one closer to the sack. With the stakes this high, Sunday’s game is more than just a battle for three points; it’s a crucial test of character for Postecoglou and Amorim.
Should either club continue to falter, the likelihood of managerial change will only grow. For now, both managers remain in place, but the patience of their respective boards and fanbases is wearing thin.
If things don’t improve soon, Tottenham and Manchester United may be searching for yet another fresh start before the season is out.
