Paul Merson releases Newcastle prediction ahead of 2pm kick off at Manchester United

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is backing Newcastle to come away with a 'shock' 2-1 victory in today's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

The 54-year-old was very impressed by how we ‘dismantled’ Fulham 4-1 two weeks ago and then followed that up with a 5-1 beating of Brentford last weekend. 

Merson also claimed that Newcastle have the players to ‘hurt’ Man United and believes that we are performing so well because of Eddie Howe’s tactics and system. 

With Bruno Guimaraes back alongside Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron in great form, there is growing confidence that we could secure our first victory at Old Trafford since our 1-0 win back in 2013. 

Here's what Merson told Sportskeeda when asked for his prediction:

“I like the way Newcastle are playing at the moment - they absolutely dismantled Fulham last week. You've got to give them credit - they've got the players and have pace on the counter.

“Erik ten Hag will have to play Cristiano Ronaldo now, won't he? Ronaldo, in my opinion, is the best finisher in the world. You don't score 700 goals by not being able to finish. You give him chances, and he scores goals. He makes the hardest things in the world look very easy.

“I think Casemiro needs some time. There's a lot yet to come from him. This game is very different to the Everton fixture, and United will need to be at their best. I'm not too sure about this game, and that's a big compliment for Newcastle.

“I'm going to go for a shock this weekend. Newcastle have the players in their team to hurt Manchester United. They've got the game to beat United, but they'll need to pick the right pass. If they stick to Eddie Howe's plan and execute it like they have been over the last couple of weeks, I think they'll win.”

Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Newcastle United

Although not a hugely popular figure amongst the fanbase, it’s still great to hear that those in the media are watching this project building at Newcastle and appreciating the incredible job that Eddie Howe has done on Tyneside.