Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has withdrawn his prediction that Manchester United will face Premier League rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag’s men were knocked out of the Champions League after losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday, and United face a huge challenge this weekend.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been left out of the starting line-up after the midfielder was suspended for the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Harry Maguire, who has been brilliant this season, could be a doubt against Liverpool after limping off in the first half against Bayern Munich. With no fewer than 13 “potential absentees” currently lined up for the Ten Hag’s trip to Anfield, the former Ajax boss faces further pressure from United’s season.
Liverpool have been impressive in the Premier League this season and are currently one point ahead of Arsenal at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Manchester United are currently sixth in the league and six points off the top four in the Premier League ahead of their match against Liverpool at Anfield.
In his column for Sportskeeda, Merson predicted a 3-0 scoreline for the Reds, believing Jurgen Klopp’s side would go through. Sky Sports pundit Alexis McAllister said he expects Liverpool to “crush” them despite “major injury doubts”.”I expect Liverpool to demolish them to win 3-0 at home,” wrote Merson.
“Alexis McAllister is an injury doubt but Jurgen Klopp has more options in midfield. “Wataru Endo has played the last few games and Harvey Elliott has impressed but I expect Curtis Jones to start at Anfield because I think he knows how big this game is.”All eyes are on The Hague for Manchester United vs Liverpool.
Merson said he was “not at all worried” by the predictions between Liverpool and United, highlighting the challenges Ten Haag will face going forward.
Ten Hag has been frustrated by United’s lack of consistency this season, with the Dutchman arriving at Anfield following their Champions League exit. United have underperformed at Anfield in recent seasons and Klopp’s Liverpool are heavy favorites in the Premier League clash.
Merson said he “expects nothing” from United in the game and even claimed that Ten Haag will “throw players on the pitch”.He wrote in his column: “As for the Manchester United squad, I think Ten Haag are just throwing players on the pitch.
“Manchester United have not performed well this season, so I don’t expect anything from them.”Liverpool, on the other hand, are top of the league and have played so many games over the festive period that they need to win this game, especially against Arsenal.”
