Tottenham vs Man Utd at Wembley: Where the match will be won and lost

Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has described as his first “proper test” since landing the caretaker role against Old Trafford.

Pitting his wits against the man possibly standing between him and the permanent job in Mauricio Pochettino, Solskjaer will attempt to become the first manager in the club’s history to win his first six games in charge.

A rather friendly fixture run might have aided that streak but there is little doubt United are operating at a much higher level under the Norwegian.

They were the victors the last time these two met at Wembley – last season’s FA Cup semi-final – but in their two league visits to the national team stadium, Tottenham have been convincing winners.

A win would keep the north Londoners in the title race with just six points separating them and Premier League leaders Liverpool ahead of kick-off.

A win for United could bring them ever closer to a top four spot. For Solskjaer, a victory over his closest rival for his dream job could be even more valuable.

Standard Sport weigh up where this afternoon’s match will be won and lost.

United’s faster approach to starting matches has been clearly evident under Solskjaer with his side scoring within the opening 15 minutes in two of their four league matches under his guidance.

They had managed that just twice all season under Jose Mourinho.

Their defensive frailties remain, but they have at least managed to keep a tighter ship earlier on in games. United have avoided conceding in the opening half hour of games under Solskjaer – having shipped 12 in that period under his predecessor.

Tottenham are themselves quick starters but it is just before the break where they are at their most dangerous, scoring 11 times between the 31th and 45^th minute – their most potent period in front of goal.

Two of the three goals United have conceded under their new manager have also come in this period of the match.

Spurs are also quick second-half starters, hitting the back of the net eight times before the hour mark.

United haven’t needed to summon a Solskjaer-inspired late winner recently because they have continued to go for the jugular with wins already in the bag – one of the biggest criticisms of Mourinho’s reign in Manchester.

In three of their four games under the former striker, United have struck three times in the closing 15 minutes and six in the closing half hour – punishing tiring teams to try and reduce their pretty sorry goal difference.

Tottenham are defensively solid in the first half of games having conceded just five times in the league all season long.

But it is later on when they struggle. Pochettino's side have conceded eight times in the league in the final 15 minutes of matches – notably collapsing late on in their last home match against Wolves at the end of December.