Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of today's highly-anticipated Premier League clash between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Both of these teams are chasing a top-four finish this season, so we should be in for an entertaining encounter. Team news will be through shortly.

MAN UTD: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Blind; Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young; Rooney

MAN UTD SUBS: Lindegaard, Rafael, Blackett, A Pereira, Januzaj, Falcao, Wilson

Following his side's FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Arsenal on Monday, Man Utd manager Louis van Gaal has made three changes to his starting XI for today's game. Phil Jones, Juan Mata and Michael Carrick all come in, while Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and the suspended Angel di Maria are the trio who make way. Radamel Falcao has to settle for a place on the bench again.

SPURS: Lloris; Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Mason; Chadli, Eriksen, Townsend; Kane

SPURS SUBS: Vorm, Chiriches, Davies, Dembele, Lamela, Paulinho, Adebayor

Meanwhile, Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino has made just the one change after seeing his side beat Queens Park Rangers last weekend as Danny Rose replaces Ben Davies at left-back. There is also a place for Emmanuel Adebayor among the substitutes.

0 - Manchester United have won none of the last five PL meetings with Tottenham (D3 L2). Struggle. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 15, 2015

With both of these team in the hunt for Champions League qualification, this afternoon's match could be very significant indeed come the end of the season. Man Utd are currently in fourth place in the Premier League table and a win today would move them to within a point of third-placed Arsenal. Meanwhile, a victory for Spurs would send the visitors up to fifth.

The hosts have won their last two games in the top flight, though their last outing saw them beaten by Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The last time that they played in the Premier League they earned a dramatic 1-0 win away to Newcastle United thanks to a late goal from Ashley Young. While there has been a bit of discontent around Old Trafford in recent weeks due to the team's uninspiring brand of football, they would take any kind of victory this afternoon.

Man Utd manager Louis van Gaal, speaking to the club's official website: "It is not easy to play Tottenham. I like their process because you can see that a lot of experienced players are not playing and a lot of youngsters are playing. In spite of that, they are also very close and are playing attacking football.

"The way that (Harry) Kane is scoring is also a reason for that success. It's an aspect in the world of football that a big talent can stand up in one season and he is doing that."

UPDATE! The full-time whistle has gone in today's early kickoff at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea have been held to a 1-1 draw with Southampton. That's a great result for the Saints, who are also chasing Champions League football this season. You can read our hot-off-the-press match report here.

Spurs make the trip to Old Trafford in good spirits, having won five of their last seven games in the Premier League. The North-London club also boast arguably the hottest striker in English football at the moment in Harry Kane, who has scored 16 goals in the league so far this season. The visitors will be needing the youngster to be on top form today if they want to extend their strong record at the Theatre of Dreams.

Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino: "I am brave. I never think in another way. My football idea is always to concentrate on the opponents' goal, so why should I change? It goes against my way of thinking. My football is about trying to have the ball, playing attacking football and damaging the opponent. This is my feeling, my idea, and I need to translate those ideas to the team."

HEAD TO HEAD: Man Utd have by far the superior record when it comes to past meetings between these sides, winning 80 matches compared to 39 victories for Spurs. However, Tottenham have won their last two games at Old Trafford and are unbeaten in a total of five matches against United. This season's reverse fixture at White Hart Lane ended 0-0 as as inspired performance from Hugo Lloris made sure that Tottenham secured themselves a share of the spoils.

3 - Spurs are only the third team to go five PL games unbeaten against United, after Liverpool (00-02) & Blackburn (04-06). Rare. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 15, 2015

Both teams have a fair amount of attacking talent to call upon from the bench if needs be. Man Utd have the likes of Adnan Januzaj, Radamel Falcao and James Wilson available to them, while Tottenham may look to Erik Lamela or Emmanuel Adebayor if they so require later in the match.

A reminder that there is also another game taking place at the same time as this one today as Everton welcome Newcastle United to Goodison Park. We'll try to keep you updated with any developments from that match as and when they happen.

Would the visitors be happy with a draw from this match? Most likely. While their campaign has suffered at times from a lack of consistency, Spurs have started to build up a bit of momentum at just the right time and a point or better would set them up very nicely heading into the final straight of the season. That said, a defeat would by no means signal the end of the world.

Man Utd don't really settle for draws, so they will be going all out to get the three points this afternoon. In what kind of style remains to be seen because they have been baffling for most of the season, and in particular in recent weeks. Will it be long-ball stuff, or a more slicker approach that they've desperately struggled to attain despite their wealth of technically-gifted players?

PREDICTION TIME! It would be fair to say that this is the sort of match that really could go either way. Spurs don't seem daunted by coming to Old Trafford any more, while Man Utd remain a conundrum. With recent form in mind, this one could well end up being a high-scoring draw.

Not long to go now as the players start to emerge in the tunnel at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney will lead Man Utd out, while Hugo Lloris captains Spurs.

KICKOFF! The teams are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done and it will be Man Utd to get us underway. Are we about to see another twist in the race for the top four? Here we go!

It's been a positive start from Man Utd, who have seen nearly all of the ball during the early stages. However, Spurs are almost gifted a goal when Jones's pass to De Gea almost catches the Spaniard out before he flicks the ball wide for a corner. The resulting set piece causes the hosts a bit of a problem, but the manage to clear the danger eventually. A strange opening to the match.

There's been a pretty quick tempo to this game so far, with both sides showing plenty of energy and desire to get on the ball. There have been a few tasty tackles as well. Let's hope it's not the kiss of death, but there could well be a few goals in this one.

The hosts take the lead and it's a wonderful goal from Marouane Fellaini. A patient passing move ends with Carrick threading the ball through to the Belgian, who runs in behind the Spurs defence before making no mistake with a low finish into the far corner.

The home fans are liking what they're seeing from their team at the moment. Man Utd are really taking the game to Spurs. They're not allowing the visitors much time on the ball at all and are on the hunt for a second goal. Meanwhile, Tottenham are looking a little bit shell-shocked after conceding so early.

Fellaini is giving the Spurs defence so many problems right now. The big Belgian's physical approach is forcing Dier and Vertonghen further and further back, while the likes of Rooney and Mata are trying to feed off him. Man Utd are dominating. They've had 58% of possession so far.

This certainly isn't a long-ball performance from the home side. They're continuing to knock the ball about with plenty of confidence and intent. Carrick has been superb so far, mopping up any loose balls and keeping his team ticking over. Spurs are hardly being allowed in the Man Utd half.

Make that 2-0! Man Utd double their lead thanks to Michael Carrick, who scores against his former club. Spurs fail to clear a deep corner from the left, and there's the midfielder about 10 yards out to direct a powerful header into the far corner. That was an excellent finish.

Not many people would have envisaged the score being 2-0 to Man Utd with around 20 minutes played, but the hosts fully deserve it. They've been by far the hungrier side so far, while Tottenham are still struggling to get a foot in this game. Is Louis van Gaal's philosophy finally starting to get through to the players?

UPDATE! There's been a goal at Goodison Park, where James McCarthy has given Everton a 1-0 lead over Newcastle United.

Tottenham are looking shambolic at the minute. Their passing is poor, while there is a real lack of leadership among their side. No one is trying to take this game by the scruff of the neck. Kane and Bentaleb attempt to make something happen in the final third, but the move breaks down with a whimper.

The hosts win a corner out on the left thanks to some persistent work from Blind. The set piece is eventually whipped in, but Spurs hack the ball away at the second attempt with Rooney and Fellaini lurking.

SPURS SUB: Mauricio Pochettino makes an early tactical change as Moussa Dembele replaces Andros Townsend, who does not look best pleased. However, the winger has found life tough during the opening half an hour of this game. He's been overwhelmed by Man Utd down the right.

YELLOW CARD! Juan Mata is the first name to go into referee Mark Clattenburg's notebook this afternoon as he receives a booking for a cynical trip on Mason.

Man Utd move out of sight with just 33 minutes gone as Wayne Rooney extends his side's advantage. The striker wins possession in Tottenham's half before running directly at their defence. He slips past Dier and Vertonghen with ease before giving Lloris the eyes and converting. What a day this is turning out to be for Louis van Gaal's men.

Mauricio Pochettino must be wondering what on earth is going on with his players. The visitors are completely at sixes and sevens and have been from pretty much the first whistle. Man Utd create another opening as Rooney meets a cross from the left, but he shanks a volley wide of the goal.

Spurs make a rare foray into the Man Utd half, with Mason sending Kane through on goal, but the flag goes up for offside. That kind of sums it up for the visitors. You wouldn't think that this was a team challenging for the top four, what's for sure.

55 - Wayne Rooney has now scored 55 PL goals on a Sunday, nine more than any other player in the competition's history. Punchy.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 15, 2015

Man Utd are still dominating as we enter ONE MINUTE of stoppage time at the end of the first half. Tottenham will be desperate for that whistle to go.

What a half of football that was for Manchester United. They've been absolutely superb so far and fully deserve their 3-0 lead. In fact, they could easily have had a few more goals to their name such was their dominance. Meanwhile, Spurs have been atrocious. This has to be one of their worst showings of the season so far.

All three of Man Utd's goals have been taken really well, particularly Fellaini's opener. The Belgian showed plenty of composure to drill the ball past Lloris, who is among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Carrick's header was a great example of brilliant technique, while Rooney's strike was a fine solo effort.

UPDATE! In this afternoon's other 4pm kickoff in the Premier League, Everton are beating Newcastle United 1-0 at the break thanks to a goal from James McCarthy. You can read our half-time report here.

You could argue that was one of Man Utd's best first-half performances of the season so far. Dare I say it, but that was harking back to Sir Alex Ferguson's brand of cavalier football. It would be incredible if they were to let their three-goal cushion slip from here, though they should be wary of letting Tottenham get back into the game with a goal early in the second half.

1984 - Manchester United have not lost a league home game after leading at half-time since May 1984 (1-2 vs Ipswich). Over.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 15, 2015

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out and it will be Tottenham to kick us off for the second half. No changes from either manager during the interval.

Spurs have started the second half much brighter than how they played for the majority of the first half, though they're not really doing much to get at their opponents. Meanwhile, Man Utd go up the other end as Rooney scoops an effort high over the crossbar.

This is a lot better from Tottenham in terms of possession. At least they're now making Man Utd work for the ball. The away side's passing has improved a lot (i.e. they're suddenly able to string at least three passes together).

CHANCE! The hosts come close to increasing their lead as Fellaini knocks the ball down for Rooney, who in turn tees up Blind on the edge of the box. The Dutchman hits a low effort towards goal, but Bentaleb heroically throws himself in front of the ball. Mason then drags a shot wide at the other end.

Half an opening for Spurs as Dembele finds himself in some space in the edge of the area, only for the Belgian to lose possession before giving away a free kick. The visitors will need a goal soon if they want to put any kind of pressure on Man Utd during the final half an hour or so.

UPDATE! Everton now lead Newcastle United 2-0 at Goodison Park thanks to a penalty from Romelu Lukaku.

Slick football from the hosts as Blind makes a surging run towards the Spurs defence before trying to thread the ball through to Rooney. However, the Dutchman puts a bit too much on the pass and it rolls through to Lloris. Man Utd are starting to look a bit more threatening in attack following a bit of a fallow spell in the final third.

SPURS SUB: The visitors make their second change of the afternoon as Erik Lamela replaces Mason.

CHANCE! What a goal that would have been for Louis van Gaal's side. A superb passing move from left to right ends with Herrera striking the ball narrowly off target. The build-up play there typified United's approach today: dynamic, expansive and direct.

A much better start to the second half but we still trail 3-0. Come on you Spurs. #COYS pic.twitter.com/FF58UvDIly

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 15, 2015

Spurs really are doing themselves no favours as we head into the final 20 minutes of this game. Much like the first half, they're giving the ball away so cheaply. Man Utd are happy to oblige and are doing a good job of seeing this game out.

YELLOW CARD! Rose can have no complaints as he goes into the book for chopping down Herrera.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Man Utd have the ball in the net again, but it won't count due to an offside flag. Herrera thinks he's got beyond the Spurs defence before squaring for Rooney to tap, though the Spaniard is adjudged to have been in front of the last man. Replays suggest that he wasn't.

MAN UTD SUBS: The hosts make a change as 19-year-old Andreas Pereira comes on for his Premier League debut in place of Juan Mata.

SPURS SUB: A rare outing for Emmanuel Adebayor now as the Togolese striker takes the place of Nacer Chadli.

CHANCE! A decent opening for Spurs as Eriksen feeds Walker down the right, who puts in a dangerous cross that is somehow missed by everyone in the crowded penalty area. That was begging to be converted.

MAN UTD SUB: Another swap for the home side sees Radamel Falcao enter the action in place of Fellaini, who is given a big reception as he trundles off the field. The Belgian has been very impressive this afternoon.

Man Utd will be eager to keep a clean sheet now. They're being put under a bit of pressure as the clock ticks towards the 90-minute mark, though it's far from a siege being laid by Tottenham.

MAN UTD SUB: A final change from the home side now as Rafael comes on for Carrick.

CHANCE! A good opening for the visitors to pull a goal back as Kane is played in on the angle, but the striker's low drive is saved by the feet of De Gea. It's been that kind of day for the Spurs forward.

There will be a minimum of TWO MINUTES added time...

The full-time whistle goes and Man Utd have maintained their hopes of a top-four finish with a comfortable 3-0 win over Spurs. Meanwhile, Tottenham's chances of securing Champions League qualification have been dealt a big blow by this result. However, they can have no complaints with the outcome because they were woeful this afternoon.

UPDATE! Today's other 4pm kickoff in the Premier League has just finished at Goodison Park, where Everton have earned a 3-0 win over Newcastle United.

That's all from our live text coverage of this game, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both camps right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you again very soon. Goodbye!