Can Tottenham Cope Without Kane Against Manchester United?

Following their 2-1 shock defeat in the hands of Huddersfield last weekend, Manchester United will be looking to get back into the winning ways, most especially against a title rival. Their job might be made easier, as Tottenham striker Harry Kane has been ruled out of his side’s trip to Manchester United today with a hamstring injury.

Kane scored twice as Spurs beat Liverpool 4-1on Sunday, before being substituted in the 88th minute. With eight goals, Kane, 24, is the leading Premier League scorer this season.

Manchester United could welcome back defenders Eric Bailly (groin) and Phil Jones (knock), while Marouane Fellaini (knee), Michael Carrick (calf), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee), and Paul Pogba (hamstring) are all still sidelined.

Other than striker Harry Kane (hamstring), the only other player ruled out for Tottenham Hotspur is midfielder, Victor Wanyama. Kane has scored 13 goals in 12 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham this season.

Tottenham sit third in the Premier League table, while Manchester United are second in the table, level on points with third-placed Spurs. Manchester United have won 20 of their past 25 Premier League home matches against Tottenham Hotspur (D3 L2), while Spurs, who beat Man Utd in May, can record consecutive PL victories against the Red Devils for the first time.

Mauricio Pochettino has lost more PL matches against Jose Mourinho (4) than he has versus any other manager in the competition, while fifteen of Harry Kane’s 29 PL goals in 2017 have come away from home – only Sergio Aguero (17 in 2016) and Robin van Persie (19 in 2011) have scored more on the road in a single calendar year.

Speaking on game, Manchester United coach, Jose Mourinho said, “At home we are a strong and confident team, so we will try to do the same tomorrow (today).”

Sharing his thoughts, Tottenham’s boss, Mauricio Pochettino said, “It’s not an excuse that there is no Harry Kane tomorrow. We have Fernando, Son, we have options. We’ll take the best decision for the team.”

“We’re very disappointed – it’s a minor injury but we cannot take a risk. We’ll miss him for the next game and hope he will be ready for Real Madrid.”

“Of course, football is about the squad, we have good players and we can replace him and try to win. It’s not an excuse that there is no Harry Kane tomorrow. We have Fernando, Son, we have options. We’ll take the best decision for the team.”

“The doctor and medical staff made the decision to not take the risk. There is no sense in taking that risk and making the problem bigger.”

The match will kick Off at 12:30pm Nigerian time.

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