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Tottenham projected starting XI at Manchester United: Alderweireld keeps his place

By Rucker Haringey

Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino shouts instructions to his players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on August 11, 2018. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino shouts instructions to his players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on August 11, 2018. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images) /
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ENFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on August 16, 2018 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on August 16, 2018 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /

Centre back-Jan Vertonghen

The classy Belgian should start this match on the left hand side of Pochettino’s back three. In particular, he’ll be under a lot of pressure to expertly distribute the ball from the back in this match.

The Key for Vertonghen will be to make sure he doesn’t get sucked up too far in attack. He’s going to run forward on occasion, but he has to exercise that tactic in moderation. Vertonghen can’t afford to get caught on the wrong side of Romelu Lukaku at the wrong time.

Centre back-Davinson Sanchez

Sanchez was hauled off in the second half against Brighton, but his pace could be crucial to stopping United on the counter in this match. Look for Pochettino to give him another opportunity to play the central spot in his back three.

Unlike Vertonghen, the young Colombian shouldn’t exercise any sort of attacking spirit. It will be his job to stay back and protect his goal no matter what’s happening around him. Playing a high line is a part of Pochettino’s tactics, but Sanchez can’t give United a free run off the counter.

Centre back-Toby Alderweireld

Now that Alderweireld seems set to stay at Tottenham for the season, it’s time to get him back into the starting XI on a consistent basis. This fixture should serve as his second consecutive start of the season.

Ideally, Belgian will be the most attacking player in Pochettino’s back line. His ability to play long diagonals could give United real problems. In particular, the idea of him finding Rose on a piercing run across the field should be intriguing for the Spurs coaching staff.

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