The Conte connection It is well-documented United passed on Antonio Conte during that long week of contemplation after the 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool nearly a year ago and, in inflicting a 3-0 defeat on Tottenham, signalled the end of Nuno Espirito Santo's brief reign, ushering in Conte at Spurs.
Spurs qualified for the Champions League and United are in the Europa League. Spurs are third and United, seven points behind, are fifth.
A 10-point gap between the teams before the clocks have gone back would be significant. Ten Hag's point to prove? Erik ten Hag was among the myriad of coaches Spurs interviewed in the summer of 2021 as they struggled to settle on a permanent replacement for Jose Mourinho.
The word was Ten Hag lacked charisma, which made the concise Nuno, whose programme notes were shorter than a Liz Truss press conference, an all the more peculiar appointment. Also read: United give update on 12 players out of contract "I never talk about interest or what else," Ten Hag said on Tuesday. "Also, it’s not interesting.