Advertisement

Pundits disagree on Manchester United predictions as Tottenham 'difference' outlined

Chris Sutton and Paul Merson
-Credit:Getty Images


Manchester United travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon in what could be a big game in the future of both clubs' managers.

Few would have predicted that United and Spurs would have occupied 13th and 14th place in the Premier League table at this stage of the season.

As such, pressure is building on both United boss Ruben Amorim and Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, although Amorim has the benefit of doubt of having only been in the job for three months.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim sheds light on 'changes' Patrick Dorgu has to make at Man United

READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres to Man United transfer latest as Ruben Amorim sent Premier League target

Given the unpredictable nature of both teams, leading Premier League pundits have all offered different predictions of how United will fare in the capital, although Tottenham's goalscoring prowess has been identified as a possible difference maker.

Here's how the pundits feel United will get on in North London.

Chris Sutton

The former Celtic and Blackburn forward told BBC Sport: "Trying to call this is a bit like a game I used to play with my kids, poker dice, where you roll five dice and it is completely random what you end up with.

"This is the first time I have so little idea of what to expect from both sides that I actually think I need to make two predictions, rather than one.

"I can guarantee you this, though. Whatever result I go for, it will end up being the opposite of what actually happens.

"Tottenham demolished Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in September but that does not really have any bearing here.

"Spurs are getting players back from injury and Timo Werner, James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario are among those training again, but how fit are they going to be for this game?

"Ange Postecoglou says his players are out on their feet and we could see that in their FA Cup defeat at Aston Villa, so a lot depends on how much they have left in the tank.

"As for Manchester United, well I've been reading reports this week that some of their players are unhappy with Ruben Amorim's style of play.

"There is lots going on off the pitch too, with stories that more redundancies are planned at the club, following controversy over a rise in ticket prices., external

"Who would have thought when Ineos completed their deal to take a stake in United 12 months ago that, within a year, they could possibly be as unpopular with fans as co-owners the Glazers are.

"In regards to Amorim, I just think he needs time. He arrived in mid-season, he has his way of playing and United will have to give him the players who fit that system, so it might take a window or two before we see him with the team he wants.

"There needs to be patience there, but we also know football fans are impatient. They want to see some improvement in the short-term, and it is hard to argue they have made any progress since Amorim took charge.

"I still have a sneaky feeling they might edge this game but I cannot really tell you what I am basing that on. This is a big game for Ange too, now his side are out of both domestic cups, but I am going with United, just."

Sutton's prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Manchester United

Paul Merson

The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: "Whoever loses this game is in big trouble. I don't even know where to start because both Tottenham and Manchester United are as bad as each other! Spurs can point to their injuries, but what's United's excuse at the moment?

"Ruben Amorim has to change things up. I know he has been true to his philosophy but he needs to realise the players available at Old Trafford are not fit to play that way. You can't stay adamant like this at the cost of losing games! Next year, when you have the right players for your system, try it out.

"I saw him put the new kid Patrick Dorgu in an unnatural position on his debut. I mean, what is this?

"I'd be shocked if Manchester United win this game. I think Spurs have the better forwards and that will end up being the difference between the sides. This is Manchester United we're talking about and they should be smashing Tottenham in an ideal world. But I can't even seem them beating Palace at the moment, how can I expect them to win this game then?"

Merson's prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Manchester United

Harry Redknapp

The former Tottenham manager told BetVictor: "This could be the match of the weekend. This tie always has goals in it and the way both these sides are playing now, it’s anyone’s guess what the scoreline will be. Their defences are leaking goals left, right and centre.

"Manchester United were very fortunate to get the win against Leicester in the FA Cup. That Harry Maguire equaliser gave us all a taste of the pre-VAR days! United just aren’t getting into gear. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got high hopes for Ruben Amorim, but his new system is going to take some time to bed-in with the players.

"There’s talent on both sides and plenty of goal scorers out there but then there’s the silly mistakes and bloopers that seem to be a prerequisite when Man United and Spurs play. It makes it very entertaining for the neutrals!

"Bruno Fernandes is holding his side together at the minute like any captain should. He often pulls something special out of the bag when it counts."

Redknapp's prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Manchester United