Manchester United can use absence of a striker to their advantage vs Tottenham

One change?

As disjointed as United were against Wolves, they won and there is no need for wholesale changes. Almost every starter can be fairly regarded as a first-choice and there is not compelling squad depth to necessitate changes.

Alejandro Garnacho would be the obvious withdrawal, given his erratic performance against Wolves and his relative inexperience. It was Garnacho's poorest performance since the home win over Leeds in February. He was dropped for the next game - also against Leeds - came on and scored.

Garnacho has proven to be a dependable game-changer, with goals against Fulham and Wolves via the bench, as well as influential introductions against Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Sancho in?

Jadon Sancho was brighter than any of United's starting forwards against Wolves. Sancho, on for Garnacho, was direct and efficient in his use of the ball.

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A scorer at Spurs in April, Sancho would be the logical recall to sharpen a blunt attack, despite a mediocre pre-season.

No striker, no problem?

United will line up without a striker, barring the miracle of an Anthony Martial recall. Martial has not started a match in more than 12 weeks and did not get a kick during pre-season as he continued his slow recovery from a hamstring tear.

Sancho, who played up front in four games during pre-season, nor Marcus Rashford are centre forwards. Instead of having a fixed focal point, the pair should be encouraged to switch, sharing stints on their favoured left-hand side.

Spurs should be vulnerable there. Right-back Emerson Royal was all at sea for Brentford's second goal, Micky van de Ven had a testing debut at centre half and there is also a new