This weekend, Manchester United is set to play against Manchester City, and Paul Merson has just made a harsh prediction.
Two teams, both with a solid track record of wins in 2024, will clash this Sunday as Manchester United travels to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City.
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Despite recent criticism directed towards several players and the manager, Erik ten Hag, Manchester United has only suffered one defeat in 2024.
With players like Diogo Dalot and Andre Onana performing exceptionally well, there is a strong sense of confidence in securing a positive outcome.
However, not everyone shares this confidence, as Paul Merson anticipates a tough challenge for United.
In his weekly predictions column on SportsKeeda, Merson expressed his lack of faith in United’s chances of achieving anything in this upcoming game.
He wrote: “If Rasmus Hojlund was fit, I’d have given Manchester United a chance in this game as the away side would have had a lot of pace in attack with the Danish striker playing alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.
“Now that Hojlund is out injured, I think it would be one-way traffic in favour of the home side. I actually think Manchester United are going to the Etihad Stadium in damage-limitation mode – so I’m going to be kind and go for a 3-0 home win but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a lot worse.
“I personally think Liverpool’s game against Forest is a harder one to call than this one, so I’m going for a comfortable home win.”
The last two games have shown it clearly: Manchester United is a completely transformed team when Hojlund is absent.
The Danish forward plays a crucial role in the team, setting the tone with his work upfront, which reverberates throughout the squad. In his absence, United has appeared toothless and lacked a significant presence in the attacking third.
