Carrick has analyzed every Spurs match and believes this game will be the toughest challenge yet! He vows to break Manchester United's winless curse against them.

Manchester United will meet Tottenham in the early Saturday fixture, with Carrick aiming to extend his winning run as manager. Yet, his old club from his playing days is seen as the greatest challenge. Over the past few years, despite victories over Manchester City and Arsenal under several coaches, no one has managed to defeat Spurs.

It is reported that since Carrick’s appointment, three to four tactical analysts are sent to every Spurs match to conduct a comprehensive analysis. He is aware that Spurs have remained unbeaten against Manchester United in eight games since 2022 and even swept them four times last season.

Manchester United continued their pre-match preparations at Carrington on Wednesday, with De Ligt and Mount both unavailable, meaning they, like Patrick van Aanholt, are effectively ruled out for Saturday’s game against Spurs. Carrick also called up five academy prospects, including 15-year-old "Little Messi" Gabriel, who participated for two consecutive days but is ineligible for Premier League matches and is there purely for training experience.

The other four youngsters are brothers Jack and Tyler Fletcher, 17-year-old defender Jør Hraf, and midfielder Jack Moorhouse, who was recently recalled after a loan spell was cut short.

Twenty-year-old Moorhouse has made 24 appearances for League One relegation battlers Leyton Orient, and Manchester United chose to recall him before the winter transfer window closed. With midfield options slightly thin, especially given Ugarte’s poor form, Moorhouse may get a chance to feature for the first team before the season ends.

Carrick personally took charge, setting up a challenging passing drill that he reportedly practiced himself first to ensure the technique was correct before explaining it to the players. He carefully detailed every step and had several players demonstrate the correct positioning and movement.

During the passing drill, Manchester United players executed short, sharp passes before moving to the next station and then driving the ball forward. Danny Simpson, a club legend working with MUTV, revealed that in the final phase of training, the team conducted attacking and defensive drills, splitting into three groups for fast-paced contests to improve ball control under pressure.

Carrick has especially praised the unity and attitude within the dressing room. He approved of Zirkzee’s celebration when Sessegnon scored a last-minute winner against Fulham, although Sessegnon’s goal will likely make it harder for Zirkzee to get playing time.

All of Carrick’s coaches actively engage with players on the training ground; for example, Evans had a one-on-one conversation with Casemiro. Evans, the most experienced player in the squad who retired just last summer, understands the team’s dynamics well and has played alongside most of the current players, fostering close relationships.

Manchester United remain the only unbeaten Premier League team so far in 2026. Should they secure a fourth consecutive league win, Carrick will surpass his predecessor Ruben Amorim, who never managed to achieve four straight victories.

Another advantage for Manchester United is Tottenham’s injury woes. Vandefin missed the 2-2 draw with Manchester City, Cristian Romero was substituted in the second half due to illness, but Frank has said both could return against the Red Devils. Solanke, who scored the equalizer against City, has an ankle issue. Spurs have eight long-term absentees, including key players Kulusevski and James Maddison, who have yet to feature this season, along with Bentancur, Ben Davies, Kudus, Pedro Porro, and Richarlison.

The Manchester United vs. Tottenham match is also the closest fixture to the 68th anniversary of the Munich air disaster. A 30-minute memorial ceremony will take place, including a minute’s silence, honoring the roll of honor, poetry recitals, flag lowering, wreath laying, and singing “Manchester’s Flower.” Families of the “Busby Babes” will also attend the game. Of course, nothing honors the memory better than defeating Spurs on the pitch.