‘They’ll loose this time around’: Paul Merson finally agrees with pundit on Manchester United vs Tottenham score prediction today
Manchester United will be looking to build on Monday night’s 1-0 win over Wolves when they travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
United, who are still open to adding further signings to their ranks ahead of the transfer window closing on September 1, scraped past the Black Country outfit, courtesy of a second-half header from Raphael Varane. The Reds were second best for most of the contest and were able to consider themselves fortunate to have started the season with a win.
The Reds will be hoping to produce a much-improved showing in north London on an evening where Ange Postecoglou will take charge of Spurs for the first time in a competitive fixture at home. United have never lost at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will be looking to maintain that record.
However, the Reds struggled against top-half teams away from home last season, taking just four points from a possible 27. It is a record that they must correct this season.
But how do the pundits think Saturday teatime’s clash in north London will go? MEN Sport has taken a close look.
Chris Sutton – BBC Sport
“Manchester United’s away form let them down badly last season, but the way Spurs play might suit Erik ten Hag’s side,” Sutton told BBC Sport. “Tottenham’s set-up under Ange Postecoglou leaves them vulnerable on the break, and we know United have got the players to capitalise.
“I also see Tottenham as a work in progress at the moment. They dominated possession in their draw with Brentford last week and played some really good stuff at times, and I like their system, with inverted full-backs getting forward.
“But I don’t think their frontline is firing properly yet, and I am not sure they have the right players to make Postecoglou’s tactics work. Even so, he will not compromise. United did not really get going against Wolves, but still took the three points despite being miles off the pace.
“This game will be just as close, but I am going with Ten Hag’s side to nick it again, even if I am not convinced by United either. How can I be?”
Prediction: Spurs 1-2 United.
Paul Merson – Sportskeeda
“If Manchester United play like they did last week, they won’t win,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “But that’s the thing about United; they are often not at their best and still manage to win. They’ll be a lot more solid this weekend against Spurs than they were against Wolves.
“I know Mason Mount drew a lot of criticism after the game against Wolves. But then again, which Manchester United player did well in that game?
“I think it’s too early to pass judgment on him. He’s a really good player when the game opens up and Ten Hag should have waited a bit before taking him off against Wolves.
“I think Spurs are going to be an interesting team to watch this season. I like the manager and they’ll finally be playing the ‘Tottenham’ way. They have a good set of players but replacing Harry Kane’s goals is going to be a massive task for them. We’re talking about replacing 30-odd goals in a season.
“If they can draw out goals from their other attackers, it might just work out for them. But it’s a huge ask for the likes of Son and Richarlison. That being said, they are likely to do well against United as the Reds look like they’re a fair bit away from settling down or hitting their stride.”
Prediction: Spurs 2-2 United.
Harry Redknapp – BetVictor
Redknapp, speaking to BetVictor, said: “I can’t wait for this, what a game this should be. Tottenham look like they’ll be a great side to watch this season, plenty of goals at both ends.
“There was a lot of positives in Postecoglou’s first game though, particularly the performance of [Yves] Bissouma. I liked the look of the new lads at the back as well. With Harry Kane now gone, they’ll need more from Richarlison up top though.
I can’t believe United beat Wolves on Monday. The performance was really sloppy at times but as a manager, all that matters is the win. They’ll need to improve here but I think they will. Spurs will try to take the game to United, but I think United will get joy on the break with the likes of [Marcus] Rashford and Mount.”
Prediction: Spurs 2-2 United.
