The trip to the United States was largely successful, even if a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the final game saw the French side pip the Reds to the International Champions Cup. A stirring 3-1 win over Barcelona was the highlight, with Club America and San Jose Earthquakes also beaten.
Spurs lost 2-1 to MLS All-Stars despite a goal by Harry Kane before competing in the Audi Cup this week. After a 2-0 reverse to Real Madrid, the North London side saw off AC Milan by the same scoreline at the Allianz Arena last Wednesday.
While Louis van Gaal confirmed his squad had no injuries, he has all but ruled out David De Gea, Marcos Rojo and Bastian Schweinsteiger – the latter pair due to a lack of match fitness.
He had previously suggested that Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw would operate in defence with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling competing for the other spot.
The boss stuck to similar starting line-ups in pre-season with Morgan Schneiderlin likely to partner Michael Carrick in midfield while Sergio Romero and Sam Johnstone are two options for the keeper’s jersey.
Spurs captain and keeper Hugo Lloris appears to be winning his battle to recover from a broken wrist after Michel Vorm deputised in most of the friendlies. New boy Delle Ali, who sparkled against van Gaal’s team for MK Dons in last year’s Capital One Cup, pressed his claims for a starting place in the game against Madrid but Andros Townsend has a shoulder problem.
(Selorm) | 
(Nana Kwesi)