Manchester United welcomes Tottenham to Old Trafford on Saturday night in the Premier League. For the first time since September/October 2019, United has gone three games without a win in all competitions (D2 L1).
Since their recent slump in form, Ralf Rangnick's team has dropped out of the top four and knows that if they are to maintain their ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League, they will need a much better performance.

Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are expected to miss the match, while Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return.

Samuel Luckhurst.
A thankless endeavor, finding Raphael Varane's accomplice. This season, Harry Maguire has been a walking catastrophe, Victor Lindelof has been even worse for Manchester City, and Phil Jones and Eric Bailly have overstayed their welcome. Maguire gets the nod since he and Varane have never lost a game together for Manchester United. Aaron Wan-Bissaka must be replaced by Diogo Dalot.

Paul Pogba was snatched up by City too early, and Bruno Fernandes' inventiveness will be crucial in the face of a resurgent Spurs. In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the striker situation would have been as problematic as that of Varane's teammate.

After last weekend's performance, Varane must be the first name on the teamsheet, and United would love to have a Varane clone. As difficult as it may be to choose a partner, Maguire outperformed Lindelof last week and has the greater long-term potential, so that relationship should be maintained. Despite the temptation to employ a back three against Tottenham, Manchester United lack the personnel to do so. Dalot, on the other hand, should play right back.

Last week's midfield was a shambles, and the two false nines scheme must be scrapped. It's possible that United will have to go with Matic, Fred, and Fernandes in attack given the problems there and the probable absence of McTominay.

To give Matt Doherty something to ponder, I would start Pogba on the left, at least in theory. Spurs' recent comeback has been largely due to his play. Sancho is a lock to start on the other wing for the rest of the season. Cavani is available and healthy, but starting him would be a disgrace. To be fair, United could have to take a chance with Ronaldo today and Tuesday given how important this match is.

Rich Fay 
Even while it is evident that something is wrong at United, the Red Devils cannot afford to make changes simply for the purpose of making changes against a Tottenham side that knows how to score goals. As a result of their poor performances last weekend, neither Wan-Bissaka nor Lindelof should be retained.

If the contest comes down to Fred vs. Matic in the middle of the field, it makes sense to go with Fred and Matic in order to provide the most consistency possible. Choosing Fernandes in the other midfield position is a no-brainer.
This time, Sancho must start on the right flank, with Pogba deserving of consideration on the left. Ronaldo is more deserving of an opportunity through the middle than Cavani.