Man United News - The Sport Review https://www.thesportreview.com/topics/manchester-united/ The Sport Review delivers a unique mix of breaking news, shareable content and original reporting on the world’s most popular sports. Wed, 08 Feb 2023 09:01:17 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://www.thesportreview.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-the-sport-review-default-site-icon-32x32.png Man United News - The Sport Review https://www.thesportreview.com/topics/manchester-united/ 32 32 Rio Ferdinand predicts where Man United are going to finish https://www.thesportreview.com/article/man-united-news-rio-ferdinand-finish/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 09:01:17 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=513191 Rio Ferdinand is tipping Manchester United to “comfortably” finish in the top four as the Red Devils look to seal their spot […]

The post Rio Ferdinand predicts where Man United are going to finish appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Rio Ferdinand is tipping Manchester United to “comfortably” finish in the top four as the Red Devils look to seal their spot in the Champions League for next season.

The Red Devils have been showing signs of progress this season under their new manager Erik ten Hag and they currently find themselves third in the table and only three points behind second-placed Manchester City.

Manchester United have won three of their last five games in the top flight and are bidding to seal a top-four finish to guarantee their place in Europe’s elite club competition for next season.

The Red Devils are also bidding to win their first piece of silverware under Ten Hag, with United set to take on Newcastle United in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday 26 February.

Ex-Manchester United defender Ferdinand feels that Ten Hag’s side are well-placed to finish third in the league this season following their promising signs of progress under their new boss.

Speaking to William Hill, Ferdinand said: “I think Manchester United will finish in the top four quite comfortably now.

“A lot of the other clubs around them aren’t being as consistent as them, while United have been picking up results.

Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand (Photo: BT Sport)

“They’re still a bit off Arsenal and Manchester City, but I can see United finishing in that third spot in the Premier League this season, tying that up and really making that position their own.

“Having qualified for the League Cup final last week, that should give United plenty of confidence going into the coming games, knowing they have that to look forward to.

“Players will now be playing for their position as everyone wants to play in a final, so no player can afford to drop their form or take their foot off the gas.

“Every game is an audition now to get in that starting XI. So I’m sure all of them will be going for their positions and hoping to start in the final, which will raise competition in the team.”

Manchester United have the opportunity to move level on points with second-placed Manchester City on Wednesday night when they take on Leeds United at Old Trafford.

Recent history certainly doesn’t make good reading for the Whites, who have only won one of their last 17 Premier League meetings with the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositphotos.com)

The Red Devils will take on Leeds United once again in the league this weekend – at Elland Road on Sunday – and Ten Hag is aware of the threat posed by the Whites, who have just parted ways with manager Jesse Marsch.

“We have to go from game to game,” said Ten Hag. “It is a big week for us, as twice we face a rival team and we have to be ready for that.

“It gives a different emotion, always when you play against rivals, so we have to be [on the] front foot and be ready for the game. We have to be well prepared but also giving off good energy and look forward to facing them.”

Asked about the impact of Marsch leaving Elland Road, Ten Hag replied: “It will always have an impact. But also it has to be about us and how he deal with that. Are we proactive? Are we anticipating?

“If we do that, we have a good chance to win the game. It will be close and we will have to give everything. Nothing is easy in football, especially games between rivals are not easy, they are never close games. You have to be [at] your best.”

The post Rio Ferdinand predicts where Man United are going to finish appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Jamie Carragher predicts where Arsenal and Man City will finish this season https://www.thesportreview.com/article/arsenal-fc-news-jaime-carragher-man-city/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 08:08:29 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=513152 Jamie Carragher has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season after both teams lost over […]

The post Jamie Carragher predicts where Arsenal and Man City will finish this season appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Jamie Carragher has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season after both teams lost over the weekend.

Arsenal suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat by Sean Dyche’s Everton side at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime, before Manchester City slumped to a 1-0 loss away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The results mean that Arsenal remain five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand over Pep Guardiola’s men.

The defeats for the Gunners and City also allowed both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to close the gap on the top two. United now sit third in the table and eight points behind Arsenal, although they have played one game more than the north Londoners.

Spurs are currently fifth and a point behind fourth-placed Newcastle United having played a game more than the Magpies.

However, former Liverpool FC defender Carragher still thinks that it will be a two-horse race between the top two sides and he is backing Arsenal to take advantage of Manchester City’s stuttering form.

Speaking on Sky Sports on Sunday, Carragher said: “There’s still a long way to go but you’re almost waiting for Manchester City to kick in and to be the Man City we know so well.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositphotos.com)

“It just feels like this might be the season where they’re not quite themselves, for lots of different reasons. It’s not the Man City of old.

“This idea that they’re going to do what they’ve done to Liverpool a couple of times in the title race, I’m not sure it will happen. It feels like a different Manchester City that we’re watching right now.”

He added: “There’s so long to go. Neither team should panic. There will be a lot of ups and downs. But I do think Arsenal have the edge, because they’ve been the most impressive team so far. We’re still waiting to see the real Man City but it’s not quite happening for them.

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola (Photo: Oleh Dubyna / depositphotos.com)

“The two games between those teams are massive but I fancy Arsenal right now.”

Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has praised the Red Devils for their recent form – but says that Erik ten Hag’s side are not in the title race.

The Red Devils were 2-1 winners over Crystal Palace on Saturday and have won three of their last five top-flight outings under their Dutch manager.

Neville feels that the Red Devils should be praised for their upturn in form in recent weeks but does not believe they’ll have what it takes to challenge for the title.

Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said of United: “Are we in with a chance again? Look, I don’t think Manchester United will get there, I think they will fall short.

“They’re just not quite there and the Christian Eriksen injury will hurt, but they’re doing really, really well and they’re competing again. They look happy too and that’s a really big thing. You need that. From that point of view United are doing well.

“It’s not ridiculous to say they could win the title. I don’t think they will and I’ve never thought they will this season because it’s a bit early for that but I would be getting worried if I was Manchester City.

Gary Neville

Former Manchester United star Gary Neville (Photo: Sky Sports)

“The fans will start getting worried now with the way they’re playing and the way Pep Guardiola is tinkering with the team. United look a happy bunch, City look a bit moody and need to come out of that spell.

“Man City could easily still win the league but Man United are in a good position too.”

The post Jamie Carragher predicts where Arsenal and Man City will finish this season appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Patrice Evra reveals his Man United v Crystal Palace prediction https://www.thesportreview.com/article/man-united-v-crystal-palace-prediction-evrapatrice-evra-reveals-his-man-united-v-crystal-palace-prediction/ Sat, 04 Feb 2023 08:45:03 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=513148 Patrice Evra is tipping Manchester United to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League by claiming a 2-0 home victory […]

The post Patrice Evra reveals his Man United v Crystal Palace prediction appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Patrice Evra is tipping Manchester United to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League by claiming a 2-0 home victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Red Devils lost 3-2 to Arsenal in their most recent top-flight clash after having been held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace before that.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side have been in good form in the cup competitions in recent days. They booked their spot in the League Cup final with a 5-0 aggregate victory over Nottingham Forest and sealed their spot in the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-1 win over Reading.

They will now look to beat a Crystal Palace side who are without a win in their last four outings in the Premier League.

Manchester United start the weekend in fourth place in the Premier League table and level on points with third-placed Newcastle United – and former Red Devils star Evra is backing his old side to claim the three points against the Eagles.

Writing in his column for Betfair, Evra said: “This is a massive opportunity for United, they’ve won their last 12 at home, something that hasn’t happened since [Sir Alex] Ferguson’s time, so, let’s make it 13 and hurt Crystal Palace because they hurt us scoring that goal in the last second, they killed our dream to win the title.

“I expect Marcus Rashford to start and for sure I expect Bruno Fernandes to fill the empty space that Erickson will leave. Casemiro will be Casemiro again.

“My prediction is a United win, I don’t see United stopping right now. We’re going to add more fresh blood with the new players and I hope the new signing (Marcel Sabitzer) gets 15 minutes of game time or maybe a start.”

Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra (Photo: China Images / Imagine China Limited / depositphotos.com)

Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson is also expecting to see Ten Hag’s side claim the three points on Saturday to boost their top-four bid.

The Red Devils will be without midfielder Christian Eriksen for the foreseeable future due to an ankle injury – and although Merson feels that the Dane will be a big miss for the Red Devils, he’s backing Manchester United to snatch a 2-1 win over Palace.

“Crystal Palace are a hard team to break down, and they’re going to set up to play counter-attacking football,” Merson wrote in his column for Sportskeeda. “Manchester United have had problems with breaking teams down in the past, and they changed when Christian Eriksen came in.

“When Eriksen starts for Man United, they control games. Eriksen is a player that you need to beat a team like Palace, and his absence will make a massive difference. They have brought Marcel Sabitzer in on loan from Bayern Munich, but is he what they really wanted? He wasn’t on the radar in the first place, and it looks like a panic buy.

Paul Merson

Arsenal legend Paul Merson (Photo: Sky Sports)

“I couldn’t think of a better game to judge how much Eriksen could be missed. If you’re bringing reinforcements in from Bayern, you’re surely thinking of playing him. Man United aren’t playing one of the big boys, and they should be able to dominate this game.

“I think Manchester United are going to win this game, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they dropped points against Palace.”

The post Patrice Evra reveals his Man United v Crystal Palace prediction appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Chris Sutton explains his Man United v Reading prediction https://www.thesportreview.com/article/man-united-v-reading-prediction-fa-cup-sutton/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 11:08:40 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=513032 Chris Sutton is backing Manchester United to cruise into the FA Cup fifth round with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Reading […]

The post Chris Sutton explains his Man United v Reading prediction appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Chris Sutton is backing Manchester United to cruise into the FA Cup fifth round with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Reading on Saturday evening.

The Red Devils head into the game after having claimed a 3-0 win away to Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday night.

United’s big step towards reaching the League Cup final came after the disappointment of their 3-2 loss to Arsenal at The Emirates last weekend, with the Gunners having netted a late winner to snatch victory.

Despite the defeat however, Manchester United remain in fourth place in the table and three points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand and have been showing some encouraging signs of progress under their new manager in recent weeks.

Erik ten Hag’s side are now preparing to take on a Reading team who are 14th in the Championship table and who have only won one of their last five league outings.

And former Chelsea FC star Sutton reckons that the Red Devils are simply going to have too much for the visitors at Old Trafford on Saturday night.

Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Sutton said: “Reading boss Paul Ince won the FA Cup twice with Manchester United but I don’t think his return to Old Trafford will have a happy ending.

“United boss Erik ten Hag is clearly taking both domestic cups seriously and we saw how well they played to beat Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final this week.

“Ten Hag is not just using new signing Wout Weghorst to lead his attack, he is using him properly and looking to give him lots of service in the box. I can see Weghorst getting a few chances in this game too.”

Chris Sutton

Ex-Chelsea FC striker Chris Sutton (Photo: BT Sport)

Manchester United moved to bring in Wout Weghorst from Besiktas in the January transfer window on a loan deal until the end of the season.

And the forward opened his account for the Red Devils on his third appearance for the club when he netted in United’s 3-0 victory at Forest in the League Cup on Wednesday night.

Weghorst had scored eight goals and made four assists in 16 league games for Besiktas before his move to Old Trafford – and former Red Devils captain Roy Keane feels that the move will prove fruitful for Ten Hag in the second half of the season.

Speaking on ITV earlier in the week, Keane said: “Man United had to bring someone in. The manager made it clear, there was no money to spend. They lost [Cristiano] Ronaldo, questions marks about Anthony Martial’s fitness… so I can see why they gambled on him.

“I don’t think he’ll be a prolific goal-scorer but if he pops up with the odd important goal like that and he helps Marcus. He’s an international player – he’s no mug!

Roy Keane

Man United legend Roy Keane (Photo: David Ribeiro / depositphotos.com)

“The perception about him, because he struggled in a Burnley team that were having a difficult season, people kind of judge him on that. Give the guy a chance, he scored an important goal for United tonight. Good luck to him.

“His lack of pace can be a problem when United are trying to play on the counter-attack but they’ll need to play to his strengths. He linked up well, took his goal well. There’s a reason he came on loan, because he’s obviously not top level. But the important thing is that the manager knows him well. You need characters in your dressing room.”

The post Chris Sutton explains his Man United v Reading prediction appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Louis Saha predicts where Arsenal and Man United will finish https://www.thesportreview.com/article/arsenal-news-man-united-saha-latest/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:09:08 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=513004 Louis Saha is backing Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season – and is expecting to see Manchester United finish […]

The post Louis Saha predicts where Arsenal and Man United will finish appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Louis Saha is backing Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season – and is expecting to see Manchester United finish in the top four.

The Gunners have been in impressive form in recent weeks and their recent victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have underlined their status as genuine contenders for the title.

Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit five points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the table with a game in hand as they look to win the trophy for the first time since 2004.

Former Manchester United striker Saha feels that the Gunners have what it takes to go all the way in the title race this season following their impressive 3-2 win over Manchester United at the weekend.

Speaking to Betfred, Saha said of Arsenal: “They look really good. They’re in a great position and have a game in hand, so it’s hard to see them drop many, many points.

“They’ve still got a number of crucial games left, but they showed on Sunday against Manchester United that they’re very concentrated, very professional and they can remain at the top of the table.

“It would be nice for the Premier League to see Arsenal upset the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, who’ve been at the top for the last four or five years.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositohotos.com)

Saha, 44, is also tipping Manchester United to secure a top-four finish in Erik ten Hag’s first campaign in charge.

Manchester United have been showing encouraging signs of progress under Ten Hag in recent weeks – they currently sit three points ahead of fifth-placed Spurs with a game in hand – and Saha feels they’ll have enough momentum to finish in the top four.

The ex-forward reckons that the current top four or Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Manchester United will make up the four teams to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Asked for his top-four prediction, Saha said: “I believe it will be Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United, the four sides who occupy those positions at the moment.

“You can see Manchester United finishing either second or third because they’re playing very well at the moment. I believe it will be those four sides and I have no doubt about it. Newcastle have done tremendously well this season and deserve to be in the Champions League.

“It will also provide them with a boost for their recruitment over the summer and it’s good for the Premier League.”

Arsenal have already made two signings in the January transfer window to bolster their squad – forward Leandro Trossard from Brighton and defender Jakub Kiwior from Spezia.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes feels that the Gunners was impressed by Arsenal’s move to sign 28-year-old Trossard – and he feels that a few more additions before the end of the month would help to greatly boost the north London club’s title hopes.

Paul Scholes

Former Man United midfielder Paul Scholes (Photo: ChinaImages / Imagine China Limited / depositphotos.com)

“When you are going for titles, you need strong squads, you need players who can come in and replace players,” Scholes is quoted as saying by Metro. “Those players that come in might not always be as good as the starters, but they might even be better from the bench.

“When Leandro Trossard came on for Gabriel Martinelli [against Manchester United], I didn’t think it weakened Arsenal, it really didn’t. So I think Trossard is a great signing. Two or three more would really boost this team to go on and win the Premier League.”

Arsenal are in FA Cup action on Friday night when they take on Manchester City away from home in the fourth round.

The post Louis Saha predicts where Arsenal and Man United will finish appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Mikel Arteta lauds ‘incredible’ and ‘exceptional’ Arsenal star after win over Man United https://www.thesportreview.com/article/arsenal-news-mikel-arteta-eddie-nketiah-latest/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 08:32:33 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=512970 Mikel Arteta singled out Eddie Nketiah for special praise after the striker netted twice in Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester United […]

The post Mikel Arteta lauds ‘incredible’ and ‘exceptional’ Arsenal star after win over Man United appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Mikel Arteta singled out Eddie Nketiah for special praise after the striker netted twice in Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

The English striker has been deployed up front for the Gunners since Gabriel Jesus was sidelined with a knee injury and the forward has been in great form, having now netted seven goals in his last seven games in all competitions.

Nketiah headed home an equaliser for Arsenal in the 24th minute after Marcus Rashford had put Manchester United ahead five minutes earlier.

Bukayo Saka then fired the Gunners into the lead in the 53rd minute with a superb solo strike, but the home side were pegged back by Lisandro Martinez’s header shortly after.

However, it was Arsenal and Nketiah who at the final say, with the 23-year-old Gunners striker poking home the winner for Mikel Arteta’s men in the 90th minute to claim a big win for the home side.

Arteta was asked about Nketiah’s impact in recent games and the Spaniard was full of praise for the forward at his post-match news conference.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositohotos.com)

“What Eddie is doing is incredible,” said Arteta. “We cannot say that we saw that, we were hoping that he could do that because of the way he is, because of his mentality, because of his qualities and how those qualities fit within the team.

“Losing Gabby [Gabriel Jesus] was a big blow, it is a big blow today, but Eddie is responding and the team I think in an exceptional way.”

Arteta went on to praise the striker, who came through Arsenal’s youth system, for the way he has been conducting himself this season.

Asked about Nketiah’s qualities, Arteta replied: “The qualities that he has, how much he wants it, how much belief he’s got in himself to become Arsenal’s number nine.

“His desire, his background, we’re with him every single day, [he’s] a special kid, he’s so loved by everybody at the football club, he’s got a real Arsenal heart and experience within him and that’s really special. You cannot put that into numbers. He’s really, really good.”

Meanwhile, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane reserved special praise for Saka in the lead-up to Sunday’s clash.

Saka – who was named as the player of the match on Sunday – has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season and has now netted seven goals and made seven assists in 19 Premier League games.

“For such a young player he’s already had a lot of experience,” Keane said on Sky Sports before the game.

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka (Photo: Adidas)

“He’s already got his hands on a trophy in the FA Cup, he’s had a big disappointment with England in terms of missing the penalty [in the European Championships final]. He got a lot of criticism for that but he bounced back well, which shows you good signs.

“The key for the player himself is that he looks like he goes out and enjoys the game. He looks like a really nice lad away from the game which always helps but when he’s playing, he can beat a man.

“When you’re playing for the big clubs you need one or two players that can beat a man because that changes the picture in football matches.

“I like everything about him. I think he can go and play for any of the big clubs in Europe and play for them and I’m including Real Madrid in that. I think he’s that good. I think he’s fantastic. What a talent. I love watching him.”

The post Mikel Arteta lauds ‘incredible’ and ‘exceptional’ Arsenal star after win over Man United appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Patrice Evra explains his Arsenal v Man United prediction https://www.thesportreview.com/article/arsenal-v-man-united-prediction-evra-latest/ Sat, 21 Jan 2023 08:21:43 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=512967 Patrice Evra is expecting to see Arsenal and Manchester United play out a 2-2 draw in Sunday’s Premier League showdown at The […]

The post Patrice Evra explains his Arsenal v Man United prediction appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Patrice Evra is expecting to see Arsenal and Manchester United play out a 2-2 draw in Sunday’s Premier League showdown at The Emirates.

The Gunners head into this weekend’s round of fixtures top of the table and five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who have played a game more than Mikel Arteta’s men.

Arsenal will be able to deploy new signing Leandro Trossard against the Red Devils after they signed the 28-year-old Belgium striker from Brighton in a deal reported to be worth around £21m plus add-ons last week.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are set to be without the suspended Casemiro after he picked up a suspension when he was booked in the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositohotos.com)

Former Red Devils and France full-back Evra feels that Manchester United are fully capable of causing Arsenal problems on the counter-attack at The Emirates and he is backing the game to end all square.

Writing in his column for Betfair, Evra said: “I see an opportunity in this match because it’s Manchester United. I know we can hurt them on the counter attack, like last time.

“I can see a game where Arsenal dominates the game and suddenly United could get a goal and people will say that Arsenal didn’t deserve to lose the match. I don’t care if that’s the case, I want United to be ugly and to win games. That’s what we’re doing.

“I’m confident, I know we can hurt them, but the way Arsenal control games it will be tough for any team. United can create a surprise, they won against City but they didn’t control the game, it’s not like they outplayed City.

“Arsenal outplayed Tottenham, yes, United dominated the game against Tottenham but they didn’t give them a proper lesson like Arsenal did. I hope United win but I think this game will be a draw.”

January signing Trossard has been in great form for Brighton so far this season, netting seven goals and making two assists in 16 Premier League games for the Seagulls before his switch to The Emirates.

Arsenal moved to bring him in last week to bolster their attacking options in the continued absence of Gabriel Jesus, and Gunners boss Arteta has revealed that Trossard was a played that the north Londoners were scouting for some time.

Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Marco Iacobucci / depositphotos.com)

“We are really happy to have him,” Arteta said at a news conference on Friday. “He’s a player we have followed for a while now.

“The opportunity came – we had the necessity to have a player in the frontline who is versatile enough to play in different positions. He knows the league, he has enough experience here and I think he can have an immediate impact in the team.”

Arsenal’s only defeat so far in the Premier League this season came against Manchester United at Old Trafford back in September, and Arteta is hoping that he and his players have learned the necessary lessons from that loss.

“We have to learn,” Arteta replied when asked about the defeat at Old Trafford. “There were some important lessons about that game and the reason why we lost it.

“In many moments we were in total control of the day. But we know that’s one of the qualities of Man United – when you are in control of the match, the game gets away from you because they have so much individual talent, good organisation and many ways to create problems. We’ll have to be at our best to win on Sunday.”

The post Patrice Evra explains his Arsenal v Man United prediction appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Paul Merson explains his Arsenal v Man United prediction https://www.thesportreview.com/article/arsenal-v-man-united-prediction-paul-merson-latest/ Fri, 20 Jan 2023 08:54:17 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=512956 Paul Merson is backing Arsenal to claim a 3-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday to continue their Premier League title challenge. […]

The post Paul Merson explains his Arsenal v Man United prediction appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Paul Merson is backing Arsenal to claim a 3-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday to continue their Premier League title challenge.

The north London side are preparing to welcome the Red Devils to The Emirates this weekend after having claimed an impressive 2-0 victory away to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

Arsenal start the weekend five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand after Pep Guardiola’s men were 4-2 winners over Tottenham on Thursday night.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are aiming to get back to winning ways after having dropped points in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

The Red Devils will be without the suspended Casemiro for Sunday’s clash after the Brazilian midfielder picked up a booking in the draw at Selhurst Park in midweek.

Former Arsenal midfielder Merson feels that the Brazilian’s absence will be a big loss for the Red Devils and he is tipping his old side to claim an important win in front of their home fans.

Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “This is the biggest Premier League game of the season so far. If Arsenal win this game, Manchester United could be out of the title race.

“This is a massive game for Man United, and they’ll be 11 points behind Arsenal if they lose this match.

“This is a much harder game for Arsenal than the Tottenham match. Casemiro is a big player, and United would’ve had just as much of a chance as Arsenal if he was available. He brings experience to the midfield and would’ve been on Martin Odegaard. They’ll miss his presence in this match.

“Luke Shaw marked Erling Haaland out of the game last week – leave him out of the lineup at your own peril. With Casemiro suspended for this match, I’m backing Arsenal to win this game.”

Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Marco Iacobucci / depositphotos.com)

Meanwhile, former Chelsea FC star Chris Sutton is also expecting to see Arsenal claim victory with a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon.

Sutton feels that Manchester United are sure to cause Arsenal problems at The Emirates but he is still expecting to see Mikel Arteta’s men come out on top.

“I always have a sneaky feeling for Manchester United in games like this, with Marcus Rashford so good on the counter-attack and Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen having the eye for the pass that would put him through,” Sutton wrote in his column for BBC Sport.

“On the flip side, I just wonder how much Wednesday’s draw against Palace will have taken out of Erik ten Hag’s side, who will be missing the suspended Casemiro in midfield too.

“As I said on the Monday Night Club on Radio 5 Live, United’s biggest issue at present is managing expectation, because after winning nine games in a row some of their fans started to think they are title contenders again.

“Yes, they have found some consistency with their performance levels but it is Arsenal who have set the standard this season, with 15 wins and only one defeat in their first 18 league games.

“This will be a great game to watch because of United’s threat on the break, but Arsenal are at home and they are playing like they believe they can beat anyone at the moment.”

The post Paul Merson explains his Arsenal v Man United prediction appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Patrick Vieira: Man United ‘different’ under Erik ten Hag https://www.thesportreview.com/article/man-united-news-patrick-vieira-ten-hag-latest/ Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:30:08 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=512934 Patrick Vieira feels that Manchester United have what it takes to challenge for the Premier League title this season following their recent […]

The post Patrick Vieira: Man United ‘different’ under Erik ten Hag appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Patrick Vieira feels that Manchester United have what it takes to challenge for the Premier League title this season following their recent upturn in form under Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils are preparing to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night after having won their last five games on the spin in the English top flight.

Manchester United know that a victory in south London would lift them up into second place in the table and leave them just six points behind leaders Arsenal – although the Gunners will have played one game less.

Ten Hag’s side have been showing encouraging signs of improvement in recent weeks, and their recent good run was highlighted by their impressive comeback in their victory in the derby showdown with Manchester City at Old Trafford last weekend.

Former Arsenal captain Vieira feels that Manchester United have made impressive progress under their new manager and feels that they are fully capable of challenging for the title this season – although he is hoping to do his old side a favour by taking some points from Wednesday’s game.

“When you look at their last couple of games, the number of wins and how close they are to the top, I think they can be [in a title race],” said Vieira on Tuesday.

“It’s a different United [to the one we saw last season]. What will be important for us is to play like we did against Chelsea: with a lot of intensity and with a lot of discipline.

“At home, in front of our fans, if we manage to play the kind of game, we will have more chance of winning the game.”

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / depositphotos.com)

Summer signing Casemiro has been one of Manchester United’s most consistent players this season, and he has scored two goals and made three assists in 15 Premier League appearances.

However, should the Brazilian defensive midfielder pick up a booking against Palace, it would rule him out of Sunday’s trip to face Arsenal due to suspension.

Former Scotland international Ally McCoist, though, feels that Ten Hag should take the risk and deploy Casemiro against the Eagles despite the risk of a ban.

Asked if Casemiro should start at Selhurst Park, McCoist replied: “You’ve got to, absolutely you’ve got to.

“Yeah you’ve got to risk it, you’ve got to play him. You’ve got to play your best team right now and then deal with whatever happens.

“The most important game is the next one and if they win tonight dear me, what a run they’re on since that defeat by City in the league. I don’t think it’s up for debate. You’ve got to play him, assuming he’s fit obviously.”

Casemiro has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United so far this season since his transfer from Real Madrid in a deal worth around £70m back in August.

The post Patrick Vieira: Man United ‘different’ under Erik ten Hag appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Rio Ferdinand issues warning to Arsenal about Man United https://www.thesportreview.com/article/arsenal-news-rio-ferdinand-man-united/ Sun, 15 Jan 2023 09:04:03 +0000 https://www.thesportreview.com/?p=512883 Rio Ferdinand has warned Arsenal that Manchester United are likely to pose a “problem” for Arsenal in next weekend’s Premier League showdown […]

The post Rio Ferdinand issues warning to Arsenal about Man United appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>
Rio Ferdinand has warned Arsenal that Manchester United are likely to pose a “problem” for Arsenal in next weekend’s Premier League showdown at The Emirates.

The Red Devils continued their recent good run of form under Erik ten Hag on Saturday when they came from a goal down to beat defending champions and arch rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes cancelled out Jack Grealish’s headed opener, before Marcus Rashford slotted home the winner for the home side in the 82nd minute to wrap up Manchester United’s fifth straight win in the league.

Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand (Photo: BT Sport)

Manchester United will travel to take on Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, before turning their attentions towards a crunch showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal at The Emirates next Sunday.

Former Red Devils defender Ferdinand has been highly impressed by the way Ten Hag has developed his team and made them much harder to break down, and he feels that the visitors are likely to pose some serious problems for Arsenal in north London next weekend.

Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel on Saturday, Ferdinand said: “I just think the way Manchester United play, we’re a problem for Arsenal. Today we were a problem for Man City too.

“I think Arsenal will have most of the ball but in the transitions, United are so dangerous. Even under Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] that was the case. But even more so now because we’re more structured and harder to break down. Man City didn’t have that many chances.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, pictured in training in 2011

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, pictured in training in 2011 (Photo: The Sport Review)

“There’s been a fragility with Manchester United in the last few seasons. Going 1-0 down against City, in past seasons you would have felt like walking out. But today they didn’t panic, they remained resilient and came back really well.”

Saturday’s win over City moved United to within just one point of their bitter local rivals and left them in third place in the table after 18 games. Manchester United are now six points behind leaders Arsenal – although they have played one game more than that north London side.

With Manchester United so close to the leaders, some may now consider the Red Devils to be possible contenders to win the Premier League title this season.

However, Red Devils boss Ten Hag insists that he is not getting carried away by their recent form and warned his players to keep their feet on the ground.

“Fans may dream, but we are not,” Ten Hag said after Saturday’s win. “We have to keep our feet on the ground and face our game that we still have lots to improve. It can’t happen after half-time that we lose so much control in the game.

“Getting down, it is unnecessary. We must follow the right rules and we must step up from the back like we did in the early moments and learn how we control such moments. This is also top football and the small details have a big impact and we have to keep working on that and improving on that.”

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / depositphotos.com)

He added: “We are not even halfway [in the season] and there is a lot to come, I think, a lot of games but in our game as well, there is a lot to work on.

“We can achieve something in this season, I’m convinced about that but there is still a long way to go about to restore Manchester United back to where they belong. The project is not only this season. But, of course, I want to achieve something this season and approach it game by game.”

The post Rio Ferdinand issues warning to Arsenal about Man United appeared first on The Sport Review.

]]>