The Hard Tackle lists three players who will hold the key for their teams in the game between Tottenham and Manchester United on Thursday.
The top-four race is heating up in the Premier League, and there is barely any margin of error left for teams in the chase. And another chapter of the battle will unfold on Thursday when Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United lock horns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
For Tottenham, things have been going from bad to worse in the last few weeks. Antonio Conte departed prematurely after struggling to get his team to perform consistently. And Cristian Stellini bit the dust this week after a horrendous performance at Newcastle United last week. Ryan Mason has taken temporary charge of the first team. And as he guns for the full-time job, he will be eager to deliver a win on Thursday.
On the other hand, Manchester United have already made 2022/23 a memorable season. The Red Devils have one trophy in the bag and reached the FA Cup final this past weekend. And they can create a near-unassailable lead over Tottenham Hotspur with a win on Thursday.
With the stakes so high, both teams will look towards certain players to ensure they come away with all three points. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three players who can singlehandedly tip the scales in their team’s favour in the game between Tottenham and Manchester United on Thursday.
Harry Kane
Erik ten Hag on Harry Kane and what his standout attributes are: "First of all, the number of goals. Also, his key actions to come to goal, key passes as well. He is just a great player and a great personality as well." #mufc pic.twitter.com/3hIKZevc4X
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) April 26, 2023
Our list begins with the best player across both teams. This attacker has singlehandedly led Tottenham’s charge this season, with almost every teammate blowing hot and cold. We are, of course, talking about Harry Kane.
Kane’s future is currently up in the air, with his contract having a little over a year left to run. Such a situation has alerted high-profile clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Interestingly, the Red Devils are the front-runners to secure his services in the summer transfer window.
But despite the speculation surrounding his future, the England captain has been focused on the matters on the pitch. And he will be eager to deliver the goods when Tottenham and Manchester United clash on Thursday.
The 29-year-old is a man for the big occasions and often produces magical moments in such games. But he might be overburdened with creative duties amid Tottenham’s struggles in build-up play. Nonetheless, Kane will be the go-to man for Ryan Mason in the crucial clash this week. A top performance will likely compel Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others to step up their interest.
Casemiro
Buzzing for a #PL away day! 🐝
🇧🇷 @Casemiro #MUFC || #TOTMUN pic.twitter.com/sSWlsXpQvk
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 27, 2023
We move from the Tottenham talisman to a Manchester United star who holds the team together. His arrival last summer has galvanised Erik ten Hag’s squad immeasurably. The player in question is Casemiro.
The Brazilian international has endured a bizarre season where he has been a pivotal figure for Manchester United. But what makes it weird is the red cards he has seen, something he was not used to during his stint with Real Madrid. However, he has strayed clear of controversy since serving his latest suspension.
That said, the 31-year-old has not been at his domineering best since returning to action a few games ago. And Casemiro needs to rediscover his best to shut the door on Tottenham and keep Harry Kane quiet on the night.
If he does not rise to the occasion, Manchester United will have a long night at work. And considering the Red Devils’ horrendous record on the road in the biggest games, Casemiro is their trump card to reverse the tide and pick a crucial three points on Thursday.
Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min is a superstar! 💫 🇰🇷@Sonny7 | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/ROoR1nipMY
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 8, 2023
As is usually the case in such pieces, we have gone ahead with the player from a team that is under the pump heading into the contest. So our list ends with another Tottenham star. And we round off the list with Son Heung-min.
The South Korean international entered the season after finishing the 2021/22 campaign as the joint-Golden Boot winner. But after scoring over 20 goals in the Premier League last season, he would not have foreseen such a horrendous 2022/23 thus far.
The 30-year-old has managed to find the back of the net only eight times in the Premier League this term. And Son’s performances have often left a lot to be desired. That is also the reason why Harry Kane has been a one-man army in most games for Tottenham this season.
But Son needs to rekindle his partnership with Kane to put Manchester United to the sword. And if he rediscovers his best, the Red Devils will be in for a long night. So it will be interesting to see which version of the reigning Golden Boot holder appears on the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
