Alan Shearer and Paul Merson agree on Man United prediction as Ruben Amorim impact revealed

Alan Shearer and Paul Merson have predicted whether Manchester United will defeat Leicester City this weekend. Ruud van Nistelrooy will lock horns with Steve Cooper at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as both sides look to climb the Premier League table.

The Red Devils head into the clash following a 2-0 win over POAK in the Europa League on Thursday night. As for the Foxes, they salvaged a late point against Ipswich Town last weekend after Jordan Ayew combined brilliantly with Jamie Vardy to net an equaliser.

While United may have a skip in their step, Leicester City have enjoyed a extra few days rest – which could prove game-changing. Nevertheless, Shearer and Merson have predicted who will come out on top.

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Speaking to the Metro, the Newcastle United legend tipped Van Nistelrooy's side to storm past the newly-promoted side – just as they did in the Carabao Cup last month. Shearer said: "Manchester United will have too much for Leicester here.

"It wouldn’t surprise me if it ends similarly to the Carabao Cup game, as I’d fancy them to score a few goals again with how they play, and how open Leicester are. Ruben Amorim won’t be here yet, but I think after Sporting’s win over Man City, there will be an extra buzz in the air at Old Trafford. Home win."

In a column for SportsKeeda, Merson also backed United to strong-arm Leicester City. The Arsenal legend said: "I watch Manchester United and I really think Ruben Amorim has his work cut out at Old Trafford.

"You could say he probably has an advantage because we aren't expecting much. But I watch all the other big teams and all of them have a plan in place, Manchester United don't.

"When you look at the system that Amorim deploys at Sporting and you look at United, you don't really know how many players at Old Trafford can pull that off. It doesn't tick any box. Who will be the three at the back considering all their centre-backs available for selection aren't the quickest? What about the wing-backs?"

Merson added: "They don't have a proper goal-scoring no.9 like Viktor Gyokeres or two creative no.10s. If Amorim goes to Chelsea for example, you know he has the resources to become a success. Quick defenders like Reece James, Malo Gusto. Two good no.10s in the form of Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku.

"Nicolas Jackson has already shown he can deliver if given the right supply as well. The resources are there, unlike the situation at Old Trafford. Don't get me wrong, I like Amorim and what he's done in Portugal deserves a lot of credit. But this looks like a really tough challenge for him and he won't become an overnight success at Old Trafford because he needs the players for his preferred system.

"I also wanted to speak about Joshua Zirkzee. I don't know where he plays, what his identity is as a player. If you're always behind the eight ball at Manchester United, it's tough for you as a player. Mason Mount suffers from it, so did Anderson and many other players back in the day.

"Leicester did well to rescue a point against Ipswich last weekend. A defeat in that game would've been catastrophic for them. Jamie Vardy should remain fit throughout the season, if they are to avoid relegation. I think there's only one winner in this game though, and it's not Leicester. Manchester United 3-1 Leicester City."