Spurs boss Frank says European absence a boon for Man Utd

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has been impressed by Michael Carrick's start to his caretaker stint in charge of Manchester United but believes comparisons between the two clubs are unfair given the Old Trafford side have no European commitments.

Fourth-placed United have enjoyed a notable revival since former Spurs midfielder Carrick took over last month, winning all three league games – including a 3-2 success at Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Tottenham, by contrast, travel to Old Trafford for Saturday's match in 14th place, having failed to press on from their Europa League final win over United in May last year.

Although an injury-hit Spurs are unbeaten in four games, they have won just two of their last 15 league fixtures and are 12 points behind United.

"It is maybe a nice little context to say that Man United don't play European football," Frank told a pre-match press conference on Friday.

"I think we can all acknowledge there is a little bit (extra). It is an extra challenge, (but) something we embrace and we are happy with.

"I think let's judge us when we are on the same challenges. The ambition is that we want to do very well and carry on with the good performances and beat Man United."

The Danish boss added that Carrick has brought "energy" to the side.

"I think (Carrick) has had a great start," he said. "It seems like there was injected a little bit of energy into the team. I think it looks like some of the players are in a good place.

"We know the threats they pose before from Bryan (Mbeumo), Amad (Diallo), (Matheus) Cunha and Bruno Fernandes is getting this team ticking. He has done that the last, I don't know, four or five years. It has been incredible.

"It is a threat, it is a challenge, but we are looking forward to it."

Frank must decide whether to select Cristian Romero following the Spurs captain's latest social media outburst earlier this week.

Tottenham, however, will be without Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.

"Djed (Spence) is getting closer. He will be a little bit touch and go," Frank said.