Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is anticipating an intriguing match-up with Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
After beating Coventry City and Manchester City in previous Carabao Cup rounds, Tottenham qualified for the quarter-finals, only to be drawn against Manchester United.
It’s undoubtedly the tie of the round with a place in a two-legged semi-final up for grabs.
Tottenham last lifted the Carabao Cup in 2008 after a final win over Chelsea, inspired by former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.
Postecoglu’s side go into the game after a 5-0 win over Southampton in the Premier League and they’re unbeaten in their previous four meetings with United.
Ange Postecoglou hails Ruben Amorim’s immediate impact
After United’s 2-1 win over Manchester City, Ruben Amorim is looking for his first run of three consecutive wins since becoming head coach.
Amorim made big decisions going into the derby and United came away with three points.
The United head coach’s stock has risen as a result and Postecoglu has been impressed by the impact Amorim is having thus far.
Speaking to reporters at a pre-match press conference on Friday evening, Postecoglou pointed out what he has noticed from United under Amorim, including formation tweaks.
“Yeah look he seems to have come in and made an impact straight away,” Postecoglou said.
“As I mentioned earlier, it is a club that’s always going to have noise. It’s just that kind of football club and I guess that’s as big a challenge as the actual challenge for anyone that takes over.
“He has obviously tweaked the formation a little bit, given different players an opportunity because he wants to have a look at everyone but as they showed at the weekend, they are pretty tough competitors still.
“Yeah, looking forward to meeting him and taking on the challenge tomorrow.”
Postecoglou won’t have it as easy against Manchester United
After being overrun in midfield, Manchester United suffered a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham earlier this season.
One of the biggest differences we’ve seen under Amorim is how United are conceded less goals and chances from open play. The problems that exist mostly stem from defending set pieces, which can be coached over a period of time.
Tottenham ran through United’s midfield for fun back in September, but Postecoglou’s side will be playing against a more organised unit that have improved without the ball.
Premier League champions Man City found it difficult to break down United on Sunday.
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