Premier League preview: Manchester United v Tottenham

An undermanned Manchester United welcome top-four chasing Tottenham in what shapes as an early danger game.

The champions’ 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion in the opening round of fixtures came at a cost with central defensive pairing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic succumbing to injuries.

It means youngster Phil Jones, 19, is likely to be partnered by either Jonny Evans, 23, or Chris Smalling, 21, at the heart of defence at Old Trafford on Monday.

They come up against a threatening Tottenham side who, after having their opening Premier League fixture against Everton postponed, dealt Scottish side Hearts a 5-0 belting in Thursday’s Europa League playoff first leg.

Five players netted goals, including dangerous attacking quartet Rafael van der Vaart, Jermain Defoe, Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon.

Manager Harry Redknapp was delighted with the display against Hearts and his team will need to produce something similar against United.

They have the perfect opportunity with Ferdinand and Vidic out and goalkeeper David de Gea under pressure following another error last time out.

The Spaniard, 20, joined from Atletico Madrid but has struggled to settle in filling the place of the retired Edwin van der Sar, letting in an Edin Dzeko strike in the Community Shield and Shane Long’s effort at The Hawthorns.

Spurs midfielder van der Vaart will likely test the shot-stopper with his lethal left foot, while Defoe will be out to torment the inexperienced United centre backs.

Sir Alex Ferguson will benefit from the return of left-back Patrice Evra, while forward Javier Hernandez looks likely to miss again as he continues to recover from concussion.

Wayne Rooney will again shoulder a heavy workload up front, but he is coming off a strong first-up performance, which included a goal.

This shapes as a vital clash for Tottenham, whose next Premier League fixture will be against Manchester City, before a trip to Wolverhampton and a clash with Liverpool.

With wantaway midfielder Luka Modric’s future still up in the air, Redknapp is relying on the creativity offered by van der Vaart, Bale and Lennon.

If they can keep a clean sheet, something they largely struggled to do even throughout their pre-season friendlies, they may come away with the points from Old Trafford.

But with Nani, Rooney and Ashley Young a constant threat, Redknapp’s team will have their work cut out, especially away from home.