Man Utd news: Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson makes Manchester United v Tottenham prediction

11:26, Fri, Oct 27, 2017 | UPDATED: 11:39, Fri, Oct 27, 2017

That’s the verdict of Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, who doubts whether the Red Devils have what it takes to go on the front foot at Old Trafford.

United and Spurs are second and third in the Premier League respectively having collected 20 points from their opening nine games of the season.

And they’ll both be hoping to come out on top to close the gap on early leaders Manchester City, who are currently five points clear.

Merson doesn’t believe there will be much to separate Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino’s sides when they get down to business though.

United need to take the game to Tottenham and I'm not sure they can do that
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has raised doubts about Manchester United

Merson told Sky Sports: "It's no surprise but the West Ham defeat proved it, Tottenham are a different team without Harry Kane.

"But I watched Manchester United at Huddersfield and they were poor.

"That was after they went to Liverpool and just shut up shop - those results have left them behind the eight ball.

"They are five points behind Man City and have a difficult match coming up.

Paul Merson at Sky Sports Soccer Saturday event GETTY

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has predicted Manchester United and Tottenham will draw 1-1

Harry Kane plays for Tottenham versus Liverpool in the Premier League GETTY

Injured Tottenham star Harry Kane is set to miss the Premier League showdown with Manchester United

"United need to take the game to Tottenham and I'm not sure they can do that.

"Spurs would probably take a draw but their away record has been phenomenal recently.

"And if Mauricio Pochettino's team really have aspirations of winning the title themselves, this is a fixture they need to win.

"The way Man City are playing at the moment, winning at United gives you every chance of challenging."