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

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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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Paul Pogba of Manchester United reacts to a challenge during the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Paul Pogba of Manchester United reacts to a challenge during the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

1. Paul Pogba v Victor Wanyama

There’s no important matchup on the pitch than the battle between the two physical midfielders. Paul Pogba and Victor Wanyama are both capable of dominating the middle of the pitch with their sheer size and strength.

Of course, Wanyama is the more willing of the pair to wield his power. Pogba goes through stretches when he relies too much on his considerable skill on the ball. Mourinho needs him to remember that he’s a box-to-box midfielder in this match. If he plays like a number ten, United will pay the consequences.

It’s a mistake to think that Wanyama can’t contribute offensively too. That end of the pitch certainly isn’t the Kenyan’s forte, but he’s looked dangerous as of late. It wouldn’t be too shocking to see him trouble David de Gea on Sunday.

Next: 5 reasons Tottenham should sign Ross Barkley

If Wanyama can cancel Pogba out of the match it’s going to put Tottenham in a great position to end their run at White Hart Lane on a positive note. If Pogba gets to show his considerable talents, it may be a sad end to the old ground for Spurs.