Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will face his first real test as caretaker manager of Manchester United when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League match at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 13 January 2019, kick-off at 18h30 CAT.
Solskjaer has overseen five consecutive wins – four in the Premier League, plus one in the FA Cup over Reading this past weekend – since replacing Jose Mourinho at the helm of United last month.
The Norwegian’s five wins have brought with them 16 goals and a return to the free-flowing attacking style that was so glaringly absent under his predecessor, but critics are right to point out that the Red Devils have yet to face a strong or in-form team since they changed managers.
That will no longer be the case when they walk out of the Wembley tunnel on Sunday, with Tottenham certainly regarded as a current powerhouse of the Premier League – they are just six points off the pace of leaders Liverpool and very much a part of the title race (though regarded very much as the outsiders compared to ‘Pool and reigning champions Manchester City).
Mauricio Pochettino’s team have also been in sensation scoring form in recent weeks, racking up 22 goals in their last five outings (their most recent result was a 7-0 away win over Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup), and neutrals will be licking their lips at what could be a goal-fest between the Lilywhites and Red Devils.
In head-to-head stats, Tottenham and Man United have met in 53 Premier League matches. The Red Devils have claimed 33 wins compared to nine for Spurs, while 11 games have been drawn.
The teams’ most recent meeting was a Premier league clash at Old Trafford in August 2018 which Tottenham won 3-0 thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Lucas Moura (two). The result broke a run of eight consecutive home wins in the rivalry.
Tottenham v Man United – Head-to-head, Premier League
Matches played 53
Tottenham wins 9
United wins 33
Draws 11
Last five results (League only, most recent first)
| Tottenham | W | L | W | W | W |
| Man United | W | W | W | W | L |