Michail Antonio has gone against the grain by making a promising prediction for Manchester United on Sunday.
It’s been yet another rollercoaster week for Manchester United and there is still a big loop to come.
After the optimism of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group finally taking charge of football operations from the Glazers, there was the disappointment of losing to Fulham.
It was a reality check after a promising start to 2024 and Erik ten Hag’s side put in another poor display against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
They at least emerged victorious from the FA Cup tie, thanks to Casemiro’s late winner, but the reward is a quarter-final match-up with Liverpool.
From one fierce rival to another, United have to face their neighbours Manchester City on Sunday in a game that is looking very concerning.
City have not lost since December 6 and smashed Luton Town 6-2 on Tuesday night.
Michail Antonio’s derby prediction
However, West Ham striker Michail Antonio thinks United could pull off an unlikely upset.
Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio said: ‘I think this is the best United they’ve been so far.
“So I’m a bit gutted United don’t have Hojlund right now because I think it would have made it an even better game.
“So, over the last few years you couldn’t see nothing past City but I’m going to throw a little spanner in there.
“You know what, I’m back United 1-0 win. Mystic Mike!”
Can Manchester United beat Manchester City?
Of course it’s possible in theory but it’s so hard to see United actually managing to keep a clean-sheet, let alone win the game.
Ten Hag could be without up to eight players with Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia all sidelined.
Even Bruno Fernandes is nursing a knock and he is yet to miss a game through injury since signing for United.
Beating City would be hard enough with a fully fit team but without so many crucial players, especially Hojlund, it’s near on impossible.
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