Maguire is set to face Kane in key battle for United
UNITED return to Premier League football tomorrow when they travel to London to take on Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It is a game that could turn out to be crucial in the race for the Champions League places with just four points separating the Reds and Spurs.
We’ve taken a look at three of the crucial battles to watch out for...
■ HARRY MAGUIRE
V HARRY KANE
THE battle of the England teammates. Maguire arrived at Old Trafford in a world record deal for a defender last summer and has quickly established himself at the club, taking the armband from Ashley Young in January. The 27-year-old has played every minute of Premier League football for United this season.
It is likely Maguire will face a fit-again Kane. The England captain has been out of action since New Years’ Day due to a hamstring injury, for which he had to undergo surgery.
However, the extended break has given the striker time to return to fitness in time for the season’s restart.
Maguire will be looking to stop Kane from adding to his 11 league goals this season.
■ BRUNO FERNANDES V GIOVANI LO CELSO
FERNANDES has made an instant impact at Old Trafford since he signed from Sporting CP in January.
The Portugal international was a long-term target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his performances before the suspension of fixtures are proving why the United head coach was so desperate to bring him to the club. In his five Premier League games, Fernandes has scored twice and provided three assists.
Spurs were said to be interested in Fernandes last summer, but it is another summer midfield signing who he could come up against.
Lo Celso has perhaps not had the amount of game time that he would have liked since arriving in the Premier League due to injury, but he did start to force his way into the team ahead of the suspension of fixtures.
During his 19 appearances for Spurs this season Lo Celso has shown his potential to become an important player for Jose Mourinho in years to come.
■ MARCUS RASHFORD V TOBY ALDERWEIRELD
LIKE Kane, the extended break without football has actually benefited Rashford in giving him more time to get over his injury.
The England striker had been out of action since January due to a back problem but is expected to be fit for the match against Tottenham barring any set-backs.
Rashford has scored on 14 occasions this season and will be looking to add to that total, but Alderweireld will be one of the players in his way.
The Belgian defender has appeared in all but two of Spurs’ Premier League games this season and has been a mainstay in Jose Mourinho’s team in all competitions meaning it should be an interesting battle between the two players.