Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank believes Manchester United possesses a distinct advantage in the fiercely contested battle for Champions League qualification this season. Frank's assessment comes ahead of Spurs' Saturday lunchtime clash against Manchester United, a rematch of last May's Europa League final in Bilbao, where Tottenham, then under Frank's predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, secured their first trophy in 17 years.
Both Tottenham and Manchester United have shown improvement this season and are currently positioned sixth and eighth in the Premier League table, respectively, with 17 points each after 10 matches. However, Frank, who previously managed Brentford, emphasizes the unusual competitiveness of the league this year, noting the presence of teams like Sunderland and Bournemouth in the top five. He suggests that Manchester United's lack of European competition this season gives them a significant edge in the top-four race.
"No doubt it's an advantage, no doubt," Frank stated. He acknowledged the desire to compete in both the Premier League and Champions League, recognizing the prestige, financial benefits, and overall ambition associated with Champions League participation. However, he stressed the considerable benefit of having a full week to prepare for matches, allowing for greater freshness and tactical preparation.
Frank highlighted the exceptionally tight margins between teams in the Premier League this season. He referenced Arne Slot's comments on the Aston Villa game, emphasizing the small details that can swing matches and the importance of momentum.
The Tottenham manager also faces his own challenges ahead of the United game. Following a 4-0 Champions League victory over Copenhagen, where the team played with ten men in the second half, Frank has decisions to make regarding his starting lineup. The win served as a response to a disappointing performance against Chelsea. While Tottenham's attacking and defensive statistics appear strong, some fans have expressed concerns about the team's style of play and the performance of certain players.
One particular issue is the conduct of Richarlison. In the match against Copenhagen, after coming on as a substitute, Richarlison took the ball to take a penalty from Dane Scarlett, who was making his Champions League debut, only to miss the shot. This incident has fueled criticism of Richarlison's selfishness, leading to speculation that Frank may drop him for the match against Manchester United.
Despite these internal issues, Frank's focus remains on the larger picture: navigating the Premier League's intense competition and securing a coveted Champions League spot. His acknowledgement of Manchester United's advantage adds an intriguing layer to Saturday's encounter, a match that could prove pivotal in the race for top-four qualification.
In related news, Frank previously defended Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag from what he deemed "incredible scrutiny". Despite United's struggles, Frank argued that ten Hag was not solely to blame for the team's inconsistent form and pointed to his previous successes, including winning two trophies in two seasons.
