Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson expects Manchester United to be on the wrong end of a heavy defeat against rivals City this weekend.

Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said that Erik ten Hag’s side would have stood a chance if Rasmus Hojlund was fit but, with the Danish international sidelined, he expects the Red Devils to struggle at the Etihad:

“If Rasmus Hojlund was fit, I’d have given Manchester United a chance in this game as the away side would have had a lot of pace in attack with the Danish striker playing alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. Now that Hojlund is out injured, I think it would be one-way traffic in favor of the home side.”

“I actually think Manchester United are going to the Etihad Stadium in damage-limitation mode – so I’m going to be kind and go for a 3-0 home win but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a lot worse.”

Such a heavy loss would put ten Hag under massive pressure

Manager Erik ten Hag is already on thin ice following last weekend’s 2-1 home loss to Fulham. Beating Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup may have silenced some of the doubters but a bad defeat against their fierce rivals will prompt more questions about the Dutchman’s future.

United are trailing Aston Villa by eight points in the race for Champions League qualification and, if results don’t go their way this weekend, the Red Devils could find themselves with a massive mountain to climb if they want to secure a top-four finish.

Injuries to key players won’t help United

Ten Hag could go into Sunday’s match without a host of key players. In addition to Hojlund, the likes of Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia have all been ruled out.

Harry Maguire is also a doubt, having missed the win over Forest midweek. In contrast, City only have Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol on the treatment table.