THE FAIRYTALE return to Old Trafford seems to be off the cards, so hopefully a few more important things will take centre stage on Sunday afternoon.

The presence of David Beckham at Spurs Lodge may have a caused a low level of hysteria among the paparazzi this week, but I’m glad that when 22 players step out on the pitch for our clash with Manchester United each one has the chance to take the headlines on their own terms.

The Red Devils are unbeaten in the Premier League but we have only lost once at home this term so on paper we should be in with a chance – but our recent form against United is a bit of a concern.

While in the past few seasons we’ve beaten the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, the fact remains that we haven’t chalked up a win against Man Utd in the league since...err...I think God may have been a boy.

Anyway, much to look forward to.

Hopefully Jermain Defoe can carry on the momentum from bagging a brace against Charlton in the cup, and it will be interesting to see if Harry Redknapp keeps his faith in Andros Townsend, who scored in his impressive debut on Sunday.

What’s more, our new South African signing Bongani Khumalo has become a Spurs player in the last few days, and could make his debut in defence.

All the 24-year-old needs to do now is buy a house in Chigwell, pick up a Bentley, and get spotted having dinner with Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson in the Loughton branch of Zizzi’s, and he’ll be one of the gang.

So, despite the fact that Goldenballs won’t be playing, there’s no denying that the match is a mouth-watering prospect.