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Manchester United vs Spurs: Three key battles which could determine the tie

By Kian Long

Tottenham Hotspur's Jan Vertonghen (left) and Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku battle for the ball (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's Jan Vertonghen (left) and Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku battle for the ball (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images) /
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Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane (right) celebrates scoring his side’s third goal of the game with team-mates Christian Eriksen (centre) and Dele Alli (right) during the Premier League match at Wembley Stadium, London. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane (right) celebrates scoring his side’s third goal of the game with team-mates Christian Eriksen (centre) and Dele Alli (right) during the Premier League match at Wembley Stadium, London. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) /

2. Dele Alli vs Fred

Fred is an excellent player, and I really do believe he will turn out to be a star for Manchester United. However, his start to the season has been questionable. He often gives away possession and looks lethargic. There has been a few face in hands moments, especially when he almost tackled his own player after trying to clear the ball.

Perhaps you can put it down to nerves from the new environment, but Fred needs to do a lot better. There is no better chance to redeem himself than against Spurs.

The reason I have paired him with Dele Alli is simple. The Englishman loves to pounce on frail midfielders, often contesting in midfield battles. If he notices any signs of weakness in Fred, you best believe he will watch him like a hawk. Whenever Fred receives the ball, Alli will be in a close radius, anticipating a mistake.

It’s important to Manchester United that Fred doesn’t let this get to him, and that he focuses on his game only. The slightest mistake could decide this tie, with both sides prone to slipping up on the big stage.

One thing’s for sure, Fred will have the United fans in full voice behind him. They haven’t given up on him, because they can also recognize the potential he possesses. It will be interesting to see how this duel pans out. As a neutral, I hope it’s hotly-contested, to keep up with the drama that this season has provided already.

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