Erik ten Hag and Antonio Conte have points to prove in Manchester United vs Tottenham

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. I am here. I am happy to be here and I want to get the best out of here."

Ten Hag had admirers at Manchester City as well and he has shown he belongs in the Premier League by claiming the scalps of Liverpool and Arsenal. Spurs would be another.

How do United fare without Martial?

United's attack collapsed before it officially started with the timing of Anthony Martial's first injury. His brittleness has restricted him to one Premier League start this term and Martial lasted 29 minutes at Everton.

The attack revolved around Martial in pre-season when Ten Hag plumped for continuity with his front three and he has been largely deprived of the Frenchman, who has missed nine of United's 13 games and