Roberto De Zerbi challenges Spurs to end Premier League slump vs Man Utd

Tottenham are desperate for their first Premier League victory of the campaign after losing three of their opening five league matches. Their struggles continued before the international break with a 3-2 home defeat against Aston Villa, while they have also been knocked out of the League Cup by Liverpool.

De Zerbi admitted the loss to Villa had been difficult to accept but insisted his players must use their frustration to improve their performances.

"I've been waiting for this game for three weeks. After the defeat at home against Aston Villa, personally I wanted to play the day after," he said.

"It was difficult, it was very tough, especially the first week. But it is football. It is part of the situation in this moment. We have to react, to work in this moment."

Tottenham scored their first league goals of the season against Villa, ending a run of four consecutive matches without finding the net.

However, De Zerbi believes his team must become more clinical in front of goal if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.

"We created chances to score many other goals in these seven games but we didn't. We are working to improve in the last third, the assists and the finishing," he said.

"We are fourth in the table for the team who brings the ball into the opponents' area the most times.

"It is nothing but it shows we can arrive in the area. We are not good enough to score goals so far when we have clear chances."

Saturday's meeting has added significance because Manchester United have also endured a difficult start under manager Michael Carrick. With both clubs under pressure to deliver results, the match has been dubbed the 'El Sackicko'.

De Zerbi helped Tottenham avoid relegation after arriving late last season, but he knows that achievement will count for little if results do not improve.

The Italian believes Tottenham must prove they deserve to represent one of the Premier League's biggest clubs.

"We are Tottenham. United and Tottenham are still big clubs in the Premier League," he said.

"We have to deserve to work in this club, playing better and making different results."

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