Chelsea target Luka Modric has been omitted from the Tottenham Hotspur side to take on Manchester United this evening.

Jermain Defoe has been handed a lone striking role by manager Harry Redknapp, while young midfielder Jake Livermore comes into the Spurs side.

For hosts United, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones form the centre-back partnership in the absence of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and Patrice Evra is handed the captaincy.

Javier Hernandez has recovered from concussion but has been deemed only fit enough for a place on the bench.

Man United: De Gea; Smalling, Jones, Evans, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Cleverley, Young; Rooney, Welbeck.

Spurs: Friedel; Walker, Kaboul, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Kranjcar, Livermore, Bale, Van der Vaart; Defoe.