# Manchester United's Early Wobble

> Tottenham's visit forces Manchester United to win to avoid further collapse.
- Title: Manchester United's Early Wobble · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: Tottenham's visit forces Manchester United to win to avoid further collapse. Manchester United must beat Tottenham to avoid further league collapse after a…
- Keywords: manchester united, tottenham, michael carrick, premier league, spurs, roberto de zerbi, carlos baleba, bruno fernandes, marcus rashford, bryan mbeumo, matheus cunha, bournemouth
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/09/manchester-united-tottenham-michael-carrick-premier-league
- Published: 2026-10-09T15:10:14+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: manchester united, tottenham, michael carrick, premier league, spurs, roberto de zerbi, carlos baleba, bruno fernandes, marcus rashford, bryan mbeumo, matheus cunha, bournemouth
## Manchester United's early wobble
Manchester United sits 12th with one league win after a scratchy start.
## Tottenham's visit is crucial
Tottenham, bottom of the Premier League, visit Old Trafford for a must-win.
## United's goal crisis
Marcus Rashford has no goal involvements this season after returning from 18 months away.
## Spurs' rebuild at risk
Roberto De Zerbi's £300m rebuild faces challenges after two points in the league.
## United's tactical issues
United dominate possession but lack goals, with only one clean sheet in the league.
## Carlos Baleba's debut
Carlos Baleba joins from Brighton for £65m to provide energy in central areas.
## Injury concerns
Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and others miss England due to international breaks.
## October fixtures
United face six fixtures this month including away games against Leeds, Atlético Madrid, Como and Chelsea.
## Key takeaway

Manchester United must beat Tottenham to avoid further league collapse after a poor start.