Paul Merson has revealed his prediction for Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle United and issued a warning to Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils battle for a top-four spot in the Premier League.
Man United travel to St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon for a repeat of last month’s EFL Cup final, which Ten Hag’s side won 2-0.
The Red Devils have suffered a slight wobble in the Premier League since lifting their first trophy since 2017, suffering an embarrassing 7-0 defeat to Liverpool and then dropping two points at home to Southampton.
Despite this, Manchester United remain third in the table – three points above top-four rivals Newcastle, who secured 2-1 wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest before the international break.
Newcastle have enjoyed a superb season under Eddie Howe and will leapfrog Tottenham and go level with Man United with a victory on Sunday.
Former Arsenal and England winger Merson expects Newcastle to continue their impressive run at St James’ Park and says Manchester United are too reliant on Marcus Rashford, who is in the form of his life.
Rashford, 25, has scored 30 goals in all competitions this season but Merson believes other players need to start contributing for Man United to finish the season strongly.
‘What a game! This game could really open it up,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.
‘If Newcastle win this game, Man United will need to work hard to get into the top four. They could end up in fifth place in the Premier League table by the end of the weekend.
‘Manchester United aren’t playing well at the moment and they’re very reliant on Marcus Rashford and his goals. Someone else has got to chip in now. They’ve had some results but they aren’t ripping it up.
‘Newcastle are playing at home and a draw isn’t good enough for them. I’m going to go with Newcastle to win this game, 2-1.’
MORE : Erik ten Hag rates chances of Wout Weghorst staying at Manchester United
MORE : Eddie Howe hits back at Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag over ‘annoying’ Newcastle dig
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