Ange Postecoglou gets it wrong as Oliver Skipp starts for Tottenham v Manchester United
Ange Postecoglou could live to regret his decision to start Oliver Skipp against Manchester United after the Englishman’s performance against Burnley in the FA Cup last time out.
Spurs arrive at Old Trafford looking to make it three wins on the bounce after victories in the Premier League and FA Cup against Bournemouth and the Clarets.
They face a Manchester United side in mixed form, with the Red Devils having won just one of their past five league matches, although Erik Ten Hag’s side will feel confident at home.
Their last match in Manchester saw them come from 2-0 down to beat high-flying Aston Villa 3-2 with three second-half goals, and ten Hag will look for his side to take that form into the clash with Tottenham.
Postecoglou will be hoping his side can claim all three points on their trip up north, although his decision to start Skipp could come back to haunt the Australian.
Dejan Kulusevski has missed out on the matchday squad, and with Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma both on AFCON duty, the 58-year-old hasn’t been left with much choice but to name the 23-year-old, who disappointed last time out, in the starting lineup.
During the 1-0 win against Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (5 January), the midfielder completed just 67 per cent of his passes, with one of those being key, and failed to provide an accurate long ball forward from the two which he attempted (Sofascore).
Skipp was more assured defensively, winning three of his four ground duels, and his one aerial duel, but his lack of creativity and impact going forward will be a concern for Spurs’ supporters.
The options around Skipp in the middle of the park won’t inspire much confidence either.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has also been named in the starting lineup, having replaced Skipp during the cup clash with Vincent Kompany’s side.
The Denmark international’s performance wasn’t much more inspiring, as he won zero duels, completed just 80 per cent of his passes, and gave possession away three times during his brief cameo.
Tottenham fans will hope their full-backs can provide the service against United, otherwise, it could be a difficult afternoon for the club’s front three, which features a debut for Timo Werner.
In other Tottenham news, one youth goal machine has sent Postecoglou a message after what he did in the Under-21s’ most recent victory.