'Worrying' - Man Utd score prediction made ahead of Tottenham clash as Alejandro Garnacho question asked

Chris Sutton expects Manchester United to lose convincingly when Tottenham Hotspur travel to Old Trafford this weekend. Spurs are aiming for their first league double over the Red Devils in 35 years, with Ange Postecoglou masterminding a 2-0 win last August. They arrive as the Premier League's third-best side on the road this season while United sit 11th in the home table.

Erik ten Hag knows a victory could be the catalyst to starting 2024 afresh - with three points moving them just five behind Tottenham. Lose, however, and United must hope for a miracle to regain their Champions League status.

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Sutton thinks that is exactly what will happen when the two teams meet on Sunday. The 50-year-old has backed a 3-1 away win and questioned how many United players are going to replicate Alejandro Garnacho’s level.

“What's been interesting about the Premier League this season is how many sides have been so inconsistent - and Manchester United definitely fall into that category,” Sutton told BBC Sport. “Old Trafford is certainly not a fortress for Erik ten Hag's side and it is worrying for them that only the bottom two sides have scored less than the 22 goals they have hit in their first 20 league games.

“Scoring has not been a problem for Tottenham so far. They have scored 20 more than United but I do worry about how they will cope without Son Heung-min, who is away at the Asia Cup.

“I still think they will win this one without Son. Spurs have not done the double over United and beaten them home and away in the league since the 1989-90 season but I am backing them here. We know how Tottenham will play, because they play the same way against everyone, and they will create plenty of chances."

“There is a possibility Tottenham's approach might suit United and Alejandro Garnacho seems to be growing in confidence every week. He will be a threat but the question is how many of his team-mates are going to turn up?”