Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has sent a strong message to Manchester United and their head coach Ruben Amorim, insisting that his side will be much stronger when they face off in the Premier League on Sunday.

Spurs have struggled in recent weeks, losing five of their last eight matches while dealing with a mounting injury crisis. Their most recent setback saw them crash out of the FA Cup against Aston Villa, a result that has intensified scrutiny on Postecoglou.

Currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, Tottenham trail United—who appointed Amorim in November—by just two points. However, Postecoglou believes things are about to turn in his favor, thanks to some key advantages leading up to this crucial fixture.

For the first time in 2025, Spurs will have a full week without a midweek game, allowing players to rest and the coaching staff to implement their strategies more effectively. Additionally, key defensive players Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Destiny Udogie are expected to return to training, providing a much-needed boost.

Speaking about the team’s preparations, Postecoglou said: “I’m sticking to what we’ve been doing, but we finally have some time to recover. The guys returning from injury will get a full week of training rather than being thrown straight in, which is a massive plus for us. By the weekend, we’ll have something close to a full squad to work with.”

He also emphasized the benefits of consecutive full training weeks: “We have seven days to prepare for this game and another full week before our next one. That gives us a chance to properly reintegrate those who have been sidelined while giving rest to the players who have been pushing through.”

The return of Van de Ven, Romero, and Udogie is particularly significant, as the trio hasn’t played together since Tottenham’s 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on December 8. Injuries had kept them out for extended periods, with Van de Ven sidelined since October and Romero missing a month of action before that.

Given their lengthy absences, Postecoglou will need to manage their minutes carefully, especially against a United side eager to capitalize on Spurs’ recent struggles. However, with a reinforced squad and a full week of preparation, Tottenham could be in a much stronger position to turn their fortunes around.

Aston Villa secured a 2-1 triumph over Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday, boosted by the arrival of new signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, both of whom made their debut appearances off the bench.

Morgan Rogers, who played a key role in the win, emphasized the significance of having Rashford in the squad. Rogers scored Villa’s second goal of the fourth-round fixture after Jacob Ramsey’s early opener, while Mathys Tel netted late on for Spurs to set up a tense finale.

Villa’s latest acquisitions, Rashford and Asensio, entered the pitch in the 66th minute, adding further excitement to the match. Rashford’s highly anticipated loan move from Manchester United followed a period of being sidelined at Old Trafford, with the forward opting for Villa over interest from Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.

Speaking about Rashford and Asensio, Rogers expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “It’s a huge boost for the team. Having experienced players like them in the squad helps push us forward. Their presence alone makes a difference, and hopefully, we can all help each other improve. That second goal was vital—we played well but needed to finish the game off.”

Villa now look forward to the next round of the FA Cup with real optimism, especially after big clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool were eliminated, marking their first fifth-round appearance in ten years.

While Rashford had limited involvement after coming on, it was his first game since mid-December following a fallout with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, who previously accused him of “not giving his all.”

Unai Emery has challenged Rashford to rediscover his best form, stating that the forward faces a “huge test” to regain top shape but sees it as an “exciting opportunity.” With Villa’s momentum growing, Rashford’s contribution in the coming matches will be closely watched.

Manchester United’s Transfer Outlook: Latest Developments and Analysis

With the January transfer window now closed for a week, Manchester United’s focus remains firmly on strengthening Ruben Amorim’s squad. Despite a weekend victory, the club is well aware that more reinforcements are necessary to reclaim dominance in English football.

During the winter window, United secured the signings of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, but there is still significant work to be done. At least three key positions need bolstering, and unlike previous transfer periods, the club seems determined to get ahead of the curve and finalize deals early.

United Continue Pursuit of Geovany Quenda

One name consistently linked with United is Geovany Quenda, a promising talent who has been on the club’s radar ever since Amorim’s move from Lisbon. Reports suggest United plan to make a formal move for him once the season concludes.

According to Portuguese publication Record, United officials attended Sporting CP’s recent 1-1 draw with Porto to scout Quenda and are set to observe him again in the upcoming clash against Borussia Dortmund.

Speculation indicates that United have already reached an agreement on a £50 million fee for the 17-year-old, who is seen as an ideal candidate to enhance Amorim’s wing-back options.

A source close to the club noted, “Gyokeres and Quenda seem almost certain to follow Amorim to Manchester. Reports from Portugal suggest that United are already laying the groundwork for this transfer, which is promising.”

However, there’s a lesson to be learned from their approach to Dorgu. The left-back was a target from the start of the window, yet his transfer wasn’t finalized until the closing days. United must act swiftly to secure Quenda and integrate him into Amorim’s system as soon as possible.

Surprise Interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin

In a surprising turn, Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that United are considering a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. His contract at Goodison Park expires in the summer, making him an attractive option for a free transfer.

Calvert-Lewin is reportedly one of five players United are targeting for free signings, alongside Jonathan David, Angel Gomes, Leroy Sané, and Jonathan Tah. Given Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints, United are keen to explore cost-effective options in the market.

However, there are mixed opinions on the potential deal. A club insider stated, “Calvert-Lewin should be crossed off the list. His injury history is a major red flag, and he doesn’t fit the profile of the prolific striker Amorim requires.”

That said, the other four names on the shortlist could significantly strengthen the squad. The challenge will be securing these signings ahead of rival clubs, especially with heavy competition for high-profile free agents. United must act decisively to avoid missing out on priority targets.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United’s recruitment team faces a crucial test in delivering the reinforcements needed to propel Amorim’s side back to the top.