Old Trafford to welcome newest star as Man United hoping to bounce back against recent bogey side

As Manchester United prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday, the club is eagerly anticipating the debut of new signing Carlos Baleba. The Cameroonian midfielder was brought in by the Red Devils this summer, albeit with an injury that delayed his arrival. Despite being sidelined for the recent 1-1 draw against Fulham, Baleba has demonstrated his commitment to the team through his diligent training during the international break.

Fans can expect to see him either starting or coming on as a substitute, as the manager looks to bolster the midfield and solidify the defense.

The past encounters between these two sides have been relatively evenly contested, with a total of 207 matches played between them. Manchester United has historically enjoyed the upper hand, with 97 victories compared to Tottenham's 58. However, recent form has been a cause for concern, with United only securing two wins in their last ten matches against Tottenham. The 2025 Europa League final was one such defeat, where United suffered a 2-0 loss to their London rivals.

Adding to the excitement of this fixture is the presence of Bruno Fernandes, who has been in scintillating form for both his club and country in recent times. The Portuguese winger scored four goals and provided three assists against Tottenham in his career in England, and he is poised to carry on that impressive sequence in Saturday's match. Fernandes' ability to create and score goals could prove crucial in helping United bounce back from their recent poor performance against the "bogey side."