Every big match has a storyline that decides the mood before a ball is kicked. For Manchester United against Tottenham this Saturday, it comes down to two men: one who has yet to play a single minute for his new club, and one who spent a few anxious days with a sore hand.
The man Tottenham couldn’t afford to lose
Micky van de Ven is the kind of defender a team builds its back line around, so the news from Eindhoven last weekend landed badly. Playing for the Netherlands against Serbia, he got his hand trodden on by an opponent and eventually left the pitch. For a Spurs side already struggling for form, it felt like the worst possible timing.
The early signs, though, are encouraging. His national team coach said the pain was the problem, not any serious damage, and that it had even made him lightheaded for a moment. Since the Dutch had finished their fixtures for this international break, he was heading back to London anyway. Right now he looks set to be available, though nothing is final until the medical staff and the manager have their say.
A defence with holes elsewhere
Don’t mistake that for a happy squad. His usual partner, Jan Paul van Hecke, also came home early with a foot problem, although the word from Dutch reporters is that he too could be back in time. The one definite absentee is Pedro Porro, whose hamstring trouble has ruled him out of the trip. There is a little good news at the other end of the injury room, with Dejan Kulusevski back training with the first team after a long layoff that dates to May 2025.
That leaves Roberto De Zerbi picking a defence from a mixed bag. Having his captain in it would make that job a lot easier.
The £70 million question mark
Over at United, the conversation is about a player who hasn’t yet pulled on the shirt in a match. Carlos Baleba joined from Brighton this summer for a fee reported at £70 million, then spent his early weeks on the treatment table with an ankle problem. He has recently played in a closed-door friendly, which is usually the final step before a manager considers a debut.
Whether he starts or simply gets a few minutes late on is anyone’s guess. Either way, expect his name to be in the discussion. Matthijs de Ligt may also be close to a return, but Manuel Ugarte remains sidelined with a knee ligament injury picked up at the World Cup.
Why Saturday matters more than usual
Both clubs have things to prove. Spurs have had a rough start and need points to calm the mood. United need their rebuilt squad to start clicking. A Van de Ven in form can slow down any attack, and a Baleba at full fitness could finally give United the midfield bite they have been missing. Add in the talk that United may fancy the Spurs captain as a future signing, and there’s plenty of side drama to go with the football.
Three things to look for
- Does Van de Ven start, and is Van Hecke alongside him?
- Is Baleba on the teamsheet, and in what role?
- How does De Zerbi cover for the absence of Porro?
Do you think Manchester United can embrace the legacy of the Old Trafford 10th Oct 2026?
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