Paul Merson Makes His Prediction Ahead Of Man Utd’s FA Cup Clash With West Ham

Paul Merson has made his prediction ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup clash with West Ham on Sunday and feels the Red Devils are in for a tough afternoon.

United  welcome the Hammers to Old Trafford tomorrow after booking their place in the quarter finals with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town last month.

The FA Cup also has added significance for United as they face a tough task progressing in the Europa League following their disappointing 2-0 first leg defeat against Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday night.

The Red Devils are also currently sitting outside of the top four in the Premier League so van Gaal knows he needs to progress to an FA Cup semi final at Wembley to keep the pressure from building on his shoulders even further.

However, former Arsenal winger Merson is predicting another difficult afternoon for United tomorrow as he believes West Ham will leave Old Trafford with a 1-1 draw to earn a replay at Upton Park.

Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Merson said:

Oh my God. I have never seen anything like that Man United performance against Liverpool on Thursday night. I know it wasn’t great at the start of the season but this was different.

Did anybody tell the players it was Liverpool against Man Utd? It is supposed to be the ultimate game in English football, but if you looked at the Man Utd players yesterday, you can’t tell me they saw it like that.

You felt for their supporters because they know what that match means. Everybody had a bad game but you have to show desire.

After that display, I’d be shocked if United beat West Ham and I’m going for a draw, setting up the last FA Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground. You couldn’t handpick a better game with the winner playing at Wembley, and it’s all set up for West Ham.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1

We’ll have to wait and see whether Merson’s prediction proves to be accurate but it is difficult to see United winning this game if they play anything like they did at Anfield on Thursday night.