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.

Former goalkeeper Ben Foster has weighed in on Jadon Sancho’s recent “freedom” comment to Marcus Rashford, arguing that it exposes the deep-rooted negativity within Manchester United.

Sancho came under scrutiny after commenting “freedom” on Rashford’s social media post celebrating his Aston Villa debut. Foster believes this reaction highlights just how unhappy the environment at Old Trafford has become.

Speaking on his podcast, the ex-United shot-stopper criticized Sancho’s actions: “What is he doing? That’s ridiculous. He’s still a Manchester United player, and so is Marcus Rashford. This just screams toxicity—it feels like everyone is desperate to leave.”

Sancho, who had been sidelined under former manager Erik ten Hag, found temporary refuge at Borussia Dortmund before sealing a loan-to-buy move to Chelsea in 2024. Meanwhile, Rashford has faced similar struggles under current United boss Ruben Amorim. With the club’s on-field struggles continuing, these incidents only add to the negative perception surrounding United.

As fate would have it, Sancho could make his Chelsea debut against Brighton on Friday, while Rashford may get more minutes when Aston Villa take on Ipswich Town the following day.

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.