Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur preview - Duo banned for United

Posted Saturday, March 14, 2015 by PA

Midfielder Angel di Maria and defender Jonny Evans are suspended for Manchester United's game against Tottenham on Sunday.

Striker Robin van Persie is still out with an ankle problem, but midfielder Ashley Young has overcome the leg injury he suffered in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal on Monday.

Centre-back Marcos Rojo is doubtful because of a groin problem.

Louis van Gaal believes United can still climb above Manchester City and finish second.

Van Gaal won a trophy in his first year at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but his chances of achieving the same feat at United are remote.

United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal on Monday and they sit 10 points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea, who have a match in hand.

But with games against Spurs, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea to come over the next few weeks, Van Gaal knows United have an opportunity to move away from the rivals lurking just outside the top four.

And despite recent criticism of his team, Van Gaal also believes United can even overcome the five-point gap that separates them from their cross-city rivals.

"The coming matches are very decisive," the United manager said.

"We are so close to a lot of clubs. We can be second or third. It is not a big difference, I believe.

"Manchester United have to be one of the teams who have to play in the Champions League."

Van Gaal remarked earlier this season that he owned an "iron shield" to protect him from any criticism that comes his way.

Despite being fourth in the table and losing just three of his last 23 games, Van Gaal has been criticised for his style of play.

Paul Scholes unleashed his latest volley on Friday, remarking in his Independent column that some of United's play in their defeat to Arsenal was "prehistoric".

In fairness, the former United midfielder said he was confident Van Gaal would be a success at Old Trafford and the manager himself seems pretty sure about that too.

All he needs is for his players to start reproducing the kind of form they have shown in training on the pitch.

"We have the confidence to reach the goal we set at the beginning of the season," said Van Gaal, who was told last summer that his target this year was a top-four finish.

"I have a lot of confidence in my players. From what I see in training sessions, we have progressed. But there is a big difference between training sessions and matches.

"We have to wait for the big victory. Then, maybe, we shall have more spirit and also more confidence to win our games."

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

With only league fixtures remaining, Pochettino has been able to give his squad a two-day break in the lead up to the game at Old Trafford.

Emmanuel Adebayor, Younes Kaboul and Etienne Capoue will be hoping to be included in some capacity having not been involved in a matchday squad since January.

Pochettino targeting a third successive Spurs victory at Old Trafford and said: "We believe we can win."

"You never think before a game that it is possible to lose. You are always focusing on getting the three points and are never thinking about losing.

"Our pressure is inside us, in the group. We want to win every game. Maybe Manchester United has history, but our mentality is to compete and try to win the game. Man United is not my problem."