Alex Ferguson advise Micheal Carrick to drop one inform Man United star against Tottenham today
With kick-off fast approaching at Old Trafford on Saturday, February 7, 2026, tension is building not just on the pitch but behind closed doors as well. Manchester United’s showdown with Tottenham Hotspur has reportedly prompted input from the club’s most influential figure, with Sir Alex Ferguson said to have offered some blunt advice to Michael Carrick ahead of the decisive encounter.
Carrick’s start to life in the dugout has been almost flawless, guiding United to three statement victories in succession against Arsenal, Manchester City and Fulham. The results have lifted optimism around the club, but Ferguson is believed to have urged caution, warning his former midfield lieutenant not to let emotion or recent form dictate selection choices. The message, according to those close to the situation, is clear: this is not the time for sentimentality.
The warning is said to be rooted in painful recent history. Less than a year ago, United endured a humbling Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in Bilbao. That night in May 2025 still lingers in the memory of supporters, as United were outplayed by a sharper and more dynamic Spurs side. Despite having technical quality on the field, United struggled to match Tottenham’s intensity and were punished for it.
That defeat reignited long-standing debates about balance and tempo in United’s midfield and attack. Some players, while elegant and composed in possession, were criticised for slowing the team down and leaving gaps when Spurs broke forward at speed. The fear now is that repeating those selection choices could expose United once again to Tottenham’s aggressive, counter-attacking approach.
Although the identity of the player Ferguson allegedly wants left out has not been confirmed, speculation points toward an in-form attacker or midfielder who has contributed during Carrick’s winning run but may lack the mobility needed for this particular test. Under Thomas Frank, Tottenham have become especially dangerous against teams that cannot recover quickly during transitions, even if their league position suggests otherwise.
On paper, United appear strong favourites. They sit fourth in the Premier League, a comfortable 12 points ahead of Spurs, who are languishing in the bottom half. Carrick’s men are flying with confidence, while Tottenham are missing key creative figures such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. United, however, also have absentees, including Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount, adding further complexity to Carrick’s selection dilemma.
For Carrick, the fixture carries personal weight. He once spent time at White Hart Lane before becoming an Old Trafford icon, and few understand Tottenham’s mentality better than he does. Yet this match could define his early managerial identity. Following Ferguson’s advice would mean making a tough, potentially unpopular call. Ignoring it, and risking another flat performance, could quickly cool the excitement surrounding his appointment.
Win with bold decisions, and Carrick strengthens his claim as more than just a caretaker. Get it wrong, and the echoes of Bilbao may return far sooner than United fans would like.
