The loss of two experienced centre-backs would be a blow to most clubs but the absence through injury of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand should provide a good opportunity for Phil Jones, Manchester United's summer signing from Blackburn. Despite the challenge ahead, Tottenham will at least feel rested after a 5-0 amble against Hearts in the Europa League on Thursday. It remains to be seen whether Luka Modric, if fit after injury, will take part, considering the speculation about a possible move to Chelsea. Kevin McCarra
Venue Old Trafford, Monday 8pm
Tickets Sold out
Last season Manchester Utd 2 Tottenham 0
Referee Lee Probert
This season's matches n/a
Odds Manchester Utd 4-6 Tottenham 5-1 Draw 3-1
Manchester United
Subs from Kuszczak, Lindegaard, Cleverley, Fábio, Gibson, Park, Giggs, Welbeck, Macheda, Diouf, Hernández
Doubtful Hernández (concussion), Evra (knee)
Injured Ferdinand (hamstring, 28 Aug), Fletcher (match fitness, 28 Aug), Owen (back, 28 Aug), Valencia (ankle, 28 Aug), Vidic (calf, 24 Sep), Rafael (shoulder, Oct)
Suspended None
Form guide W
Disciplinary record Y2 R0
Leading scorer Rooney 1
Tottenham
Subs from Cudicini, Friedel, Walker, Bassong, Bentley, Livermore, Townsend, Kranjcar, King, Pavlyuchenko, Crouch
Doubtful Crouch (ankle), King (knee), Huddlestone (ankle), Modric (thigh)
Injured Hutton (knee, 10 Sep), Rose (ankle, 10 Sep), Jenas (achilles, 10 Sep), Palacios (knee, 18 Sep), Pienaar (groin, 18 Sep), Gallas (calf, Oct), Sandro (knee, Oct)
Suspended None
Form guide n/a
Disciplinary record n/a
Leading scorer n/a
Match pointers
• United are unbeaten in their last 20 Premier League meetings with Tottenham, winning 15 of them
• Tottenham's last league win at Old Trafford came in December 1989, when Gary Lineker scored the only goal of the game
• United managed just one shot on target at West Bromwich but still won 2-1 courtesy of an own goal
• Jermain Defoe got all four of last season's top-flight goals from outside the box
• United picked up 55 points from a possible 57 at home in the 2010-11 season
