Spurs find out their Carabao Cup quarter-final opponents
By Tom Vinall
On Wednesday night, Tottenham Hotspur pulled off a big win in the Carabao Cup, as they knocked out Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, with a 2-1 win at home. Guardiola's side have won this competition four times during his time at the club.
Not long after the game, the draw for the quarter-finals was made. For the first time in fourteen years, the final eight teams in the competition all play in the Premier League. Championship teams in the latter stages have been a constant, and we even saw League One Burton Albion in the 2019 semi-finals.
As a result, there was a strong likelihood that Ange's side would get a tough draw, and that they have - with a home game against Manchester United to come.
It will not be the first time that the sides have met this season, with Spurs winning 3-0 at Old Trafford at the back end of September. That is, despite Erik ten Hag claiming that game doesn't count, due to the red card that Bruno Fernandes received in the final five minutes of the first half. A half that Spurs had completely dominated, territory and chance creation wise. Cheers though, Erik.
Unfortunately, ten Hag will not be able to decide if the game in December counts, as he won't be there - having been relieved of his duties on Monday morning. The appointment of Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP seems completely inevitable, although it is possible that it could take quite a while for everything to go through.
If, by any chance, it hasn't gone through by then, United are likely to be managed by interim manager and club legend, Ruud Van Nistelrooy for the game. Either way, it is a shame that it will not be ten Hag.
Whilst it will not be an easy game, it is not the worst draw either. The dream tie would have been Southampton, but it was likely to be a harder game than that. It will certainly not be as hard as playing City, and Spurs have shown that they are capable of beating them. The most glass half full way of looking at the draw is knowing that it could have been a trip to Anfield.
The game with United will be played on the week commencing 16th of December. Either the 17th or 18th. Spurs play Rangers away on the 12th, and Southampton away on the 15th, before Liverpool at home on the 22nd. Certainly a busy schedule.
The likelihood is it will be on Wednesday, the 17th of December. Spurs and Arsenal have both been drawn at home, with Spurs playing on the Sunday against Southampton, and them playing on the Saturday vs Everton. Therefore, it surely points to the game with United being on the 17th of December.