Manchester United are back in Premier League action this weekend as they face a tough trip to Newcastle United.
Erik ten Hag‘s side came off the back of a brutal Champions League draw, which probably should have ended in a win for Manchester United.
Nevertheless – they’re in fine form in the Premier League. The manager and his coaching staff have guided the first-team squad to three wins out of three in November – concluding with a 3-0 romping at Goodison Park.
But a trip to Tyneside will be a different task altogether. The Red Devils will be expecting a seriously tough clash.
Paul Merson predicts Newcastle United vs Manchester United
One man who also agrees Saturday will be a difficult task for Ten Hag’s side is Paul Merson. He said the following about the fixture – then gave a scoreline prediction (Via Sportskeeda).
‘Both of these sides have to be devastated after their midweek games. Newcastle must have felt like they had qualified before PSG pulled one back right before the final whistle. They were outstanding but an absolute disgrace of a VAR decision spoiled their party.’
‘Manchester United keep throwing away their leads. Against Galatasaray, with the score 3-1, it was like a basketball match. It was so open. Erik ten Hag has got to understand that he is not managing Ajax anymore.’
‘He needs to learn how to shut up shop. You don’t have to entertain all the time. Sometimes, you have to take the pragmatic route. I think their chances of making it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League are still alive by the way. That’s because I believe Bayern might play a weakened squad against them as they’ve already qualified.’
‘Manchester United are more ruthless than Chelsea but the Magpies were excellent last weekend and I’d be shocked if they don’t win this week.’
- Paul Merson’s Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Manchester United
Paul Merson on Manchester United’s problems
He also spoke of some of the issues that justified his decision to predict a Manchester United loss:
‘United have a few issues to address though. Firstly, Andre Onana should have saved both of Hakim Ziyech’s goals. It was an extremely disappointing performance and as the goalkeeper of such a big club, you cannot keep costing your team big wins.’
‘United booted De Gea out of the club and the consensus seemed to be that they would be able to challenge for titles with a better goalkeeper. But it has just not worked out with Onana, has it?’
‘Secondly, they have to trust Kobbie Mainoo to play at the base of midfield. He did a great job against Everton last weekend and I don’t know why they went with Sofyan Amrabat against Galatasaray. It must have something to do with not throwing a young player in the deep end in as hostile an environment as the RAMS Park.’
‘But if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. Mainoo should start here but even then, I don’t see Manchester United toughing it out against Newcastle United.’
The Red Devils take on Newcastle at 8:00 PM GMT on Saturday the 2nd of December 2023. Let’s hope Merson is proven wrong.
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