The Blades have injury concerns over key players such as George Baldock and John Egan, while Will Osula also returned from international duty with a fitness issue. One of that trio will not be fit for the trip to Spurs, with Heckingbottom understandably tight-lipped as to their identity to avoid giving Spurs an insight into his line-up.
Elsewhere James McAtee is in line for his second United ‘debut’ after returning from Manchester City, while Heckingbottom’s midfield options have been boosted by the return of Anis Slimane from injury. With that in mind, we tasked our man Danny Hall with selecting the side he would send out to face Spurs - do you agree, or what would you do differently?
5. Jack Robinson
A more straightforward selection on the left. Robinson has risen well to the challenge of Auston Trusty’s arrival and deserves to keep his place so far
6. Luke Thomas
With question marks over Yasser Larouci’s defensive abilities I’ve gone for the better defender in Thomas, who also has bags of experience on stages such as this one from his time at Leicester
7. Vinicius Souza
The big Brazilian is getting better by the game as he adjusts to life in English football and his battle against Yves Bissouma could be an intriguing one. Will also provide valuable protection for Ollie Norwood in midfield too
8. Oliver Norwood
Another who has barely put a foot wrong so far this season, despite calls from some fans for him to be replaced for every game United play. This doesn’t strike as the occasion to deviate from the midfield double-pivot, to me Photo: DARREN STAPLES