Mourinho factor looms large in clash

Fully fit squad may revive Spurs' fortunes and reel in United, whose upbeat run was stalled

Spurs' Son Heung-min being tackled by Manchester United's Fred, as Scott McTominay and Daniel James close in during the two sides' last Premier League meeting. The super-fit South Korean could be even more of a handful today, after his tough three-we
Spurs' Son Heung-min being tackled by Manchester United's Fred, as Scott McTominay and Daniel James close in during the two sides' last Premier League meeting. The super-fit South Korean could be even more of a handful today, after his tough three-week military service stint back home during the coronavirus break. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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Jose Mourinho is on his longest-ever winless run, and not merely because Tottenham have not played for three months. Manchester United are on their joint best unbeaten run under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and not just because no one has had the chance to defeat them since March.

When football halted, Tottenham's recent experience was of undiluted misery during six games without a victory. United were undergoing an encouraging renaissance in 11 unbeaten matches. As it resumes, will the contrast between Mourinho's present and past be as stark and still flatter a younger man?

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 19, 2020, with the headline Mourinho factor looms large in clash. Subscribe