"Things could go flat at Old Trafford" - Chris Sutton makes prediction for Manchester United vs Everton clash

BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has predicted Everton to hold Manchester United to a 1-1 draw in their upcoming Premier League fixture. The two sides are set to lock horns at Old Trafford on Sunday, December 1.

The Red Devils have been poor this season and are languishing in 12th place in the league table with 16 points from 12 games, 15 points behind leaders Liverpool. Ruben Amorim will be aiming to secure his first win in the Premier League after drawing 1-1 against Ipswich Town on his managerial debut for Manchester United last weekend.

On the other hand, Sean Dyche's Everton haven't fared much better and are in 15th place with 11 points. They have won just one game from their last five league fixtures, drawing three, and losing the other.

Manchester United will be the firm favorite to get the win due to their superior statistical record against the Toffees. The former have lost just one home league game against Everton, winning 22, and drawing eight.

Sutton wrote (via BBC Sport):

"There has been so much hype, or even over-hype, about Manchester United, and I feel a bit sorry for their new manager Ruben Amorim because he needs time, and two or three transfer windows, to put things right."

"There was a lot of excitement over the way they started his first game in charge, against Ipswich, but blimey you have got a problem if the Tractor Boys are out-playing you, which is what happened in the end."

He added:

"Things got worse for Amorim when Ed Sheeran interrupted his interview on Sky afterwards. I have to give credit to commentator Conor McNamara here, but maybe it is time for Amorim to listen to one of Sheeran’s biggest hits and think about 'the shape of Man U'."

"I think the reality is hitting home about Amorim using his favoured 3-4-3 formation with their current squad - especially with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in midfield. As for Everton, well a fair few of their fans still seem to be on Sean Dyche's back, and they could not find a way past Brentford's 10 men last week."

He continued:

"This time, they will be the team looking to hold out and I believe they can do it because this United team is going to take a while to click. Once the initial buzz of Amorim’s first home game dies down, things could go flat at Old Trafford, the way it has done quite a lot recently."

"I hope it happens for them under Amorim because he seems like a decent guy, but he is in the Manchester United madhouse now and he is about to find out what it is like to be under the microscope every single week."

Sutton's Prediction: 1-1

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"He is only going to get better" - Owen Hargreaves hails Manchester United star following 3-2 win against Bodo/Glimt

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has praised Rasmus Hojlund after he inspired his side to a 3-2 win against Bodo/Glimt. The two clubs faced each other in the UEFA Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday, November 28.

Alejandro Garnacho gave the hosts the lead in the first minute. However, Bodo/Glimt quickly responded through goals from Hakon Evjen (19') and Philip Zinckermagel (23'). Fortunately for the Red Devils, Hojlund netted a brace (45', 50') to hand Ruben Amorim his first win at the club.

Hargreaves told TNT Sports (via United in Focus):

“He is a really talented young man, but he wants to get the goals and that is massive for his confidence. The first goal was his press, which helped as well. I loved his finish, the touch and the finish was exceptional. He is only going to get better. The goals will help him big time.”

Hojlund has had a mixed season for Manchester United to date, garnering four goals and one assist in 14 appearances across competitions.