Tottenham’s Villas-Boas: We’ve improved since Old Trafford win

Andre Villas-Boas believes Tottenham Hotspur have improved since the north London outfit beat Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Spurs were 3-2 winners back in September – their first victory at United’s home ground since 1989 – with Jan Vertonghen, Gareth Bale and Clint Dempsey scoring Tottenham’s goals.

Villas-Boas, who succeeded Harry Redknapp in the summer, acknowledged United have been in impressive form since that loss after winning 14 of their 16 games.

But the Tottenham manager has been happy with his own side’s improvement – and the 35-year-old is confident Spurs can win Sunday’s showdown with United at White Hart Lane if they start the game in the right manner.

“What we’ve changed from the time we played United is that we have improved our form at home,” said Villas-Boas.

“That is something United will recognise. White Hart Lane is never an easy place to come to. We’re also on a great run of results and we will create big difficulties to United if we approach the game in the right manner.

“They’ve been on an amazing run since our win at Old Trafford. We now play them when they are at their strongest and confident about their game with the return of important players like Vidic and Rooney. They come here at their maximum strength.

“If we start well, if we’re focused on the task, with the players we have we can achieve a result.”