Paul Merson has now given his prediction for Wednesday night’s massive game between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
It is always a big fixture when these two clubs meet, but there is so much riding on Wednesday’s game. It is going to be decisive in the race for Europe, as Newcastle United aim to finish in the top six and qualify for the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Manchester United are trying to do the same, while they have the added bonus of another possible route into Europe. They will qualify for the Europa League if they win the FA Cup, but that would mean beating their local rivals Manchester City.
To make matters worse, Man United are not in great form. Erik ten Hag is seriously struggling right now, so much so that a lot of questions are being asked about his future.
Michael Owen has already tipped Newcastle United to go to Old Trafford and win, and now Paul Merson has given his verdict.
Paul Merson predicts Manchester United vs Newcastle United
As part of his column for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted the score of Manchester United vs Newcastle United, and he has a lot of confidence in Eddie Howe‘s side.
“Newcastle United will have miles too much for Manchester United, I expect them to win this one quite easily,” he said.
“Arsenal played in second gear against Man United last weekend. If the Red Devils were still playing now, they still wouldn’t score – that’s how desperately devoid of ideas they were!
“With Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon up front, Manchester United won’t be able to cope, so I’m going for a 3-1 away win.”
Merson prediction: Man United 1 Newcastle 3
Newcastle’s Premier League record at Old Trafford is not great
Understandably, Newcastle United are the favourites. Merson is adamant that the Magpies will have enough to pick up all three points on Wednesday night, and that would guarantee that Newcastle will finish above Man United for the first time since 1977.
A draw would pretty much guarantee that too, given how superior Newcastle’s goal difference is (Newcastle +22, Man United -4).
But Newcastle will take nothing for granted, while they also have fitness issues heading into the game. Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have not trained, meaning Howe might have to play Anthony Gordon through the middle.
He did exactly that on Newcastle’s last visit to Old Trafford. On that day, the Magpies won 3-0 to advance in the Carabao Cup.
That was an emphatic victory for Howe’s side, but the league is a different matter. Newcastle’s league record at Old Trafford is not very good at all, with their last win coming in December 2013. Yohan Cabaye scored the only goal of the game that day, giving Newcastle their first away win over Manchester United in the Premier League era. Before that, you have to go back to February 1972 when it was known as the First Division.
Newcastle United do not have history on their side, but the current Toon players should be relishing this game. Paul Merson believes that Man United are there for the taking, and hopefully the Magpies can get the job done.
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