Manchester United vs Tottenham preview: It's a big day for Louis van Gaal

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Tom Biggar
Saturday 08 August 2015 10:49 BST
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It’s a big game for…

Louis van Gaal: The Manchester United manager has allowed big name players to leave and has spent much money in the transfer market. Does he know what he's doing? A defeat on the opening day, as they suffered at the start of last season, could set alarm bells ringing at Old Trafford.

Best stat…

31- Harry Kane became the first Tottenham player to score 30-plus goals in all competitions in a single season since Gary Lineker in 1991-92. Robbie Fowler and Chris Sutton are the only players to reach 20 goals at a younger age than Kane.

Remember when…

Manchester United coming from 3-0 down at White Hart Lane to win 5-3

This wasn’t the only time United rattled 5 unanswered goals past Spurs, they repeated the trick in 2009 as Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. fired united to the title, winning 5-2.

Player to watch…

Luke Shaw: After a disappointing first season at Old Trafford, Shaw has been praised for his performances in Pre-Season by Van Gaal, who stated that 2015-16 “Shall be the season of Luke Shaw”. His powerful performances down the left hand side for United have been a feature of their recent friendlies and show that he is going some way to paying back the £31million that was spent on him.

Past three-meetings…

Manchester United 3 (Fellaini, Carrick, Rooney) Tottenham 0, Premier League, March 2015

Tottenham 0 Manchester United 0, Premier League, December 2014

Manchester United 1(Welbeck) Tottenham 2 (Adebayor, Eriksen), Premier League, January 2014

Form guide…

Man United in Pre-Season: WWWL

Spurs in Pre-Season: WWLLW

KICK-OFF TIME: Saturday, 12.45pm

TV: Live on BT Sport, highlights on BBC1

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