Opta Big Match Stats: Rooney goal against Tottenham

Wayne Rooney has a phenomenal scoring record against Spurs
Andre Villas-Boas has started to make an impression at Tottenham and his popularity could rocket if they get anything from Old Trafford...
Tottenham have only scored eight goals in 20 Premier League visits to Old Trafford, losing 17 times and winning none
As this stat indicates, Old Trafford is more like the theatre of nightmares than dreams for visiting Tottenham teams. There is no other place in the Premier League that has left Spurs fans feeling glummer than the home of Manchester United over the years, not even their other bogey ground Stamford Bridge. However, it's a new season and a new manager for Spurs who are actually starting to play quite well under their perpetually squatting Portuguese boss. With such a dismal record, it would be far too bold to predict a win for Andre Villas-Boas' men, but with Manchester United in less than convincing form defensively - shipping more than a goal a game on average - Tottenham may just claim their third draw of 2012/13.
Manchester United have conceded more headed goals than any other Premier League side this season (3)
This is not a stat which any defensive coach would want to see or indeed any Glaswegian manager for that matter. It's been well documented that Sir Alex Ferguson has been prevented from fielding a consistent back line due to injuries this season and this will be a niggling concern to the United manager. News of Nemanja Vidic's latest setback has only added to those woes and although the Scot has Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand, there isn't much else at his disposal. With Chris Smalling and Phil Jones still out, United will be vulnerable at the back, especially at set pieces. And as witnessed against Carlisle, Spurs have players such as Jan Vertonghen to get on the end of free kicks.
Wayne Rooney has scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League appearances against Tottenham and five in the last five
Rooney made his comeback from injury in Manchester United's win over Newcastle in the Capital One Cup and looked like he'd never been away. Although the striker didn't mark his return to the team with a goal his all-round performance ">earned praise from Ferguson in the post-match interview. As his prolific record against Spurs suggests, if there was one Premier League fixture which Rooney would have wanted next up in the calendar, it would be this one. The England striker will be desperate to get back to scoring ways after a goalless start and, given the opposition, it appears a strong possibility.
Recommended Bets:
Back the draw @ 4.47/2
Back both teams to score @ 1.748/11
Back Rooney to score @ 3.02/1