Manchester United have had a difficult start to the season, to say the least. The club sits 12th in the Premier League and is currently on a run of three games without a win before the international break hit. 

Across all competitions, the club has only won twice. The first was a massive 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League, and then a 4-0 dismantling of Sabah FK in the Champions League

The international break has also added to the misery that Michael Carrick currently faces. Not only did Patrick Dorgu pick up an injury and was sent back home from Denmark, but Noussair Mazraoui has also picked up a knock, and it was also revealed that Bruno Fernandes had been playing with an injury since the game against Sabah.

United's first game back after the break will be against Tottenham Hotspur, who have also struggled this season but could be without a key player. 

On and off the pitch, Spurs have faced a horrible time since the 24/25 season. Despite winning the Europa League that year, the London side have recorded back-to-back 17th-place finishes, with last season being particularly precarious. 

Injuries have certainly been a factor, with their squad often being decimated at times, and it appears that is set to continue. Jan Paul van Hecke was one of many big-money moves Spurs made in the summer after they secured the centre-back's services for £52 million. 

On the ball, he has been one of Spurs' best players this season, as he has completed the third-most passes for centre-backs in the league this season, according to StatMuse, which is a testament to that. With his solitary goal this season, he is also joint top goal-scorer in the league for Spurs.

However, Spurs could be handed a massive blow ahead of their fixture against Manchester United. The Dutchman picked up a foot injury against Serbia, and it was so serious that, in a press release, the Netherlands confirmed he had been sent home.

Given the situation both clubs find themselves in, this is a must-win for both Manchester United and Spurs. A win for United would get them back into the top half on eight points if results go their way. Whereas a win for Spurs would put them level on points with United. 

While United have suffered injuries in recent times, Spurs have been hampered significantly. If van Hecke were out, he would potentially join Pedro Porro, who still has not recovered from his injury and is another massive miss for them.

Roberto De Zerbi will no doubt rally the troops for this game, and his side will come charging out of the blocks, which makes this the best fixture for United to show the fans that they too can come charging out of the blocks and, more importantly, apply sustained pressure.

The final games before the international break should act as warning signs for the club of what happens if they fall below the standards they have set previously.