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Ruben Amorim's Manchester United honeymoon period backed to come to an abrupt end at Arsenal

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
-Credit: (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)


Manchester United travel to Arsenal on Wednesday evening looking to maintain their unbeaten start to life under new manager Ruben Amorim.

After United were held to a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town in Amorim's first game in charge of the club, they have since recorded back-to-back wins over Bodo/Glimt and Everton at Old Trafford.

Sunday's 4-0 win over Everton has raised the excitement levels and Amorim, so far, has managed to rotate his team to have a good look at his whole squad of players.

It makes his team selection at the Emirates Stadium difficult to predict but what is certain is that this will be his toughest test so far.

And that has been reflected in the predictions of a number of prominent Premier League pundits, who all believe United will suffer defeat for the first time under Amorim in North London.

Manchester Evening News have rounded up those predictions below.

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Chris Sutton

The former Celtic and Blackburn forward told BBC Sport: "I can understand the excitement about Ruben Amorim from Manchester United fans because he is a hugely charismatic guy who comes across so well in interviews.

"I am pleased for him that he has got off to a decent start, because he is unbeaten after his first three games, but this is the real acid test that will demonstrate where United are at.

"We have seen some classic games between these teams down the years, but Arsenal are a long way ahead of United, especially now Odegaard is back - he has taken them to the levels we were expecting from them all season.

"It would be a real eye-opener if United go to Emirates Stadium and get something, but I can't see it. Arsenal have scored a lot of goals in the past week and that should continue here. They will win, and win well."

Sutton's prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United

Mark Lawrenson

The former BBC Sport pundit told Paddy Power: "United had a really good win and with Rashford and Zirkzee getting a brace each, but for half-an-hour they were under the cosh.

"Everton had their chances but then they completely collapsed. Amorim still won’t know what his best team is, but he’s got mobility and he has players who look hungry to score – the three strikers have all scored twice in the last couple of games.

"Arsenal dealt with West Ham comfortably and know they’ll have to keep winning now with the pace Liverpool are setting just to have a chance of staying with them. They have their captain back – and their mojo, as recent results have shown. They look the biggest threat to Liverpool at the moment and I’ll go for them to win."

Lawrenson's prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United

Paul Merson

The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: "I don't see anything but an Arsenal win here, it will be comfortable and easy. I'd even go three or four nil to Arsenal in this one, they will destroy Manchester United!

"We shouldn't get carried away by that Manchester United win against Everton. I watched them against Bodo/Glimt and they weren't great.

"Ipswich were also by far the better team when they met during Ruben Amorim's first game in charge. Considering how well Arsenal are playing now, I'd be shocked if they don't win three or four nil at the Emirates.

"Arsenal work day in and day out on their set-pieces and it's clearly showing this season. It's not just luck that they are scoring so much from such situations.

"However, the one thing that could work in favour of United in this game is the suspension of Lisandro Martinez. He's not the tallest of defenders and will now most likely be replaced by Harry Maguire, who is like a magnet when defending set-pieces.

"But United are still working on their best shape under Amorim, while Arsenal under Arteta are flying at the moment. The Arsenal players know everything about their game and you will see that on the pitch in this game. I don't see any other result than an Arsenal win, but I will go kind on the scoreline."

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United