We sat down with @hesham786 to preview United‘s return to action against Spurs...
What’s your initial thoughts ahead of United’s return to action? Optimistic?
Hesham: Very excited. We’ve not seen Rashford and Pogba in the same side with Bruno so I’m really hyped to see how that plays out. I don’t see how there can be issues with them building up chemistry as they are all at the top of their game. Just a question of can they perform like we know they can!
How do you see the game going? And how big is it United’s race for top 4?
Hesham: I think it may be a lot more dull than you may imagine. Both managers I think will see it as a must not lose and prefer to win their remaining games instead. Cautious approach expected in my view. Personally, I think that’s the wrong approach as I feel if we win tonight, it makes us heavy favourites for Top 4 and puts us in the driving seat. So I would go all out for the win tonight as it’s a huge game and kick off the momentum for the upcoming games.
What sort of team do you expect to see tonight? Should Paul Pogba start?
Hesham: I expect to see a 352 if rumours are to be believed. Don’t think that’s the way to go personally, that’s the system we played vs City and Liverpool who we didn’t expect much of the ball against. I personally would go 4-2-3-1 and play Pogba in the pivot with Matic or Fred. He’s world class and should walk into our team irrespective of form because form is out of the window 3 months down the line from lockdown.
The argument could be made that United shouldn’t change a winning side? Shouldn’t Pogba like everyone else have to fight his way back in to the side?
Hesham: If that’s the case, why would Rashford start straight away? That argument doesn’t work when there’s such a big gap since the last game. All momentum and all that goes out of the window, it’s a 9 game shoot out. De Bruyne doesn’t have to earn his way back when he’s injured, he walks back in. That’s what world class players deserve.
Certainly will be one to keep an eye out for. What’s the key for United today here? Can Pogba/Bruno work together efficiently?
Hesham: They definitely can. Both have their own skill set and they can dovetail well and share creative responsibility in the side.
What’s your prediction for the game tonight then?
Hesham: 1-1 I think the caution will outshadow the pre-game hype! Hopefully it’s a cracker though, missed watching United so badly no matter how well we play!
UPDATE: Team news has now come in.
#mufc XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelöf, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; James, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.
#THFC XI: Lloris, Aurier, Dier, Sanchez, Davies, Winks, Sissoko, Lamela, Bergwijn, Son, Kane.