“This is a huge game in terms of the top four” - Alan Shearer predicts result of Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has predicted the result of Manchester United's league clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (September 29) at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are coming off a 1-1 home draw with FC Twente in their UEFA Europa League opener in midweek. Christian Eriksen's first-half opener for the hosts was cancelled out by Sam Lammers midway through the second period as United boss Erik ten Hag's former side left Old Trafford with a point.
Before that, Ten Hag's side had drawn goalless at Crystal Palace in the league last weekend. Meanwhile, Spurs are coming off a 3-0 home win over Qarabag in their UEFA Europa League opener in midweek, five days after beating Brentford 3-1 in the league.
Predicting a draw at Old Trafford this weekend, Shearer wrote in his column for the Metro:
“This is a huge game in terms of the top four. Both teams haven’t had the start they wanted albeit Spurs won last weekend, it’s a really tough one to call. Both teams aren’t in great form. It won’t be a great result for either team, but I can see this being a draw.
“It was really interesting of Ten Hag to leave Marcus Rashford out, which I found really strange. Whether it was because of a knock or for a disciplinary reason, whatever it was, when you’re a forward and you haven’t scored for such a long time, you get your goal and then another two in midweek, then you’re left out three or four days later. I found it really strange."
Shearer continued:
“My guess is that he’ll be back in the team this week. and if he can take the form from the last two games, he’ll be a key figure in what happens for Man United. He always is.
Acknowledging Spurs' threat, the all-time Premier League top scorer concluded:
“Spurs have players that can hurt United. James Maddison is a top player. He’s one of the players that could say he played his part and did okay during Spurs’ slow start to the season. I’m a fan of his. I like what he brings to the team, and he got his goal last weekend. Confidence wise, that’ll be great for him, and he’ll play a huge part, absolutely.
“If Spurs do get into those positions and turn chances into goals then it’ll be tough for Man United as well because they do give you chances, and that’s why I see it being a score draw.”
While Tottenham are tenth in the standings after five games, with seven points, Manchester United are 11th, behind on goal difference.
What happened the last time Tottenham Hotspur visited Manchester United in the league?
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur played out an entertaining 2-2 Premier League draw when Spurs visited United in the Premier League, in January this year.
After Rasmus Hojlund's third-minute opener, Richarlison drew parity for Spurs, but Marcus Rashford's strike put the hosts back in the ascendancy heading into the break. However, Rodrigo Bentancur forced a share of the spoils with an equaliser early in the second period.
Earlier in the season, Spurs had beaten Manchester United 2-0 at home, eventually finishing fifth in the standings, three places above the Red Devils, with both sides qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.