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Tottenham v Manchester United: 5 key matchups including Pogba against Wanyama

By Rucker Haringey

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Manchester United and Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on December 11, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Manchester United and Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on December 11, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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STRATFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 05: A dejected looking Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium on May 5, 2017 in Stratford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
STRATFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 05: A dejected looking Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium on May 5, 2017 in Stratford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

4. Dele Alli v Ander Herrera

While I don’t expect Mourinho to use Herrera to man mark Dele Alli out of the match. It’s not entirely out of the question. Look for the Spanish midfielder to play close attention to his English counterpart throughout the match.

Unlike the previous matchup, this is a spot on the pitch where Spurs need a win. Pochettino’s men are at their best when Dele is able to find time and space with the ball at his feet. When he’s threatening the opposition, Tottenham’s attack can be downright unplayable.

Dele can’t forget about his defensive responsibilities though. Herrera is also a capable two-way midfielder. He doesn’t have the same attacking flair that defines Dele’s game, but he’s capable of a moment of brilliance too.

In the end, each of these player will get a lot of help from their teammates when trying to shut their opposite number down. Even so, the midfielder who gains the advantage in this matchup is going to give their side a clear advantage in this match.

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