“Manchester United are still nowhere near being convincing” - Mark Lawrenson predicts result of Red Devils’ trip to West Ham
Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has predicted Manchester United will drop points in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United in their upcoming Premier League fixture. The two sides are set to face each other at the London Stadium on Sunday, October 27.
All the pressure will be on Erik ten Hag to deliver a result following their recent disappointing 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce away in the UEFA Europa League. The Red Devils are currently 13th in the league table with 11 points from eight games, 12 points behind leaders Manchester City. In addition, they have been poor in recent weeks, winning just two out of their last five league fixtures.
In comparison, West Ham have also been relatively poor under new manager Julen Lopetegui. The Hammers are 15th with eight points and have won just one out of their last five league games. Despite this, they have had the upper hand against Manchester United, winning their last two home league games against Ten Hag and Co.
Mark Lawrenson wrote (via Paddy Power News):
"I fancy a low-scoring draw in this one. Manchester United are still nowhere near being convincing and West Ham are limping along. These could huff and puff to a stalemate."
Lawrenson's Prediction: 1-1
"Absolutely incredible" - Darren Bent praises Manchester United star for stepping up amid recent struggles
Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Darren Bent has hailed Andre Onana for stepping up in recent games despite his side's struggles under Erik ten Hag.
Many Manchester United fans had high expectations last season when the Red Devils signed Onana from Inter Milan last summer to replace David de Gea. However, the 28-year-old's campaign was inconsistent, as he made several high-profile errors, especially in the UEFA Champions League.
However, Onana has turned it around this season and has arguably been Manchester United's most impressive player. This was evident once again after he made two top saves to keep his side in the game during their 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce midweek.
Bent told talkSPORT (via Football365):
“He is somebody who has stepped up. He is making upon save. Yes, he might make the odd mistake, but which goalkeeper doesn’t?"
On Onana's impressive double saves, he also said:
“Incredible. Absolutely incredible. I thought he played well"
The Cameroon international has kept four clean sheets in 12 appearances across all competitions this season, conceding 15 goals in the process.