Can Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho dent Manchester United’s top four charge?

The former Old Trafford boss faces his old side on Friday

Tottenham and a top-four finish have gone hand in hand in recent seasons – but it hasn’t quite gone to plan this time around.

A combination of poor form, injuries to key players and the likes of Leicester, Sheffield United and Wolves exceeding expectations has left Jose Mourinho’s side on the outside looking in.

In contrast, the Portuguese’s former club Manchester United have steadily improved under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Despite an inconsistent first half of the campaign, they’ve managed to stay within touching distance of the top four and the enforced break has given them the chance to get back to full fitness ahead of the run in.

Can United close the gap?

Four points and three places separate Spurs and United and the two giants get their seasons back underway on Friday night, under the lights in north London.

And while Mourinho’s priority will be rescuing Tottenham’s season, he’ll be well aware that doing so could potentially derail his former employers.

With just nine games to play, the top three looks set in stone. Liverpool all but have the title wrapped up while Manchester City and Leicester are unlikely to drop enough points to be caught.

Unless City’s Champions League ban is overturned, fourth and fifth spot look set to be a portal into UEFA’s elite competition, although that’s not a guarantee.

Chelsea are currently in pole position in fourth place but United are hot on their heels just three points behind.

The Blues will fancy their chances against Aston Villa on Sunday meaning anything less than a win for Solskjaer will leave his side bereft of momentum and playing catch up.