Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes one top flight manager could be under even more scrutiny with defeat this weekend.
Whilst plenty of attention is being focused on Manchester City’s trip to Liverpool – understandable given the backdrop of them being found guilty of the majority of 115 Premier League charges – another intriguing fixture takes place upon the league’s return.
Saturday evening sees Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur. Both sides have started below-par with United able to win just one of their opening five games so far whilst Spurs prop up the table with just two points. That has led to increased pressure on bosses Michael Carrick and Robeto de Zerbi.
“I think it’s possibly one of the biggest games of the weekend,” former England man Shearer said.
“I know you’ve got Liverpool v City, which everyone’s going to have eyes on for obvious reasons, but I think in terms of the size of the result, this is the biggest one of the weekend because if either club were to lose in whatever fashion they were to lose, then it could determine someone’s job. Unfortunately, I think it’s that big a game in that matter.
“It is a difficult question to answer on who this game means more to. I guess there’s an argument for both clubs because of what Spurs have spent, because of what Man United didn’t spend, and could have spent. So, there’s an argument to say it’s huge game for both football clubs and for both managers because you can imagine the pressure that will be ramped up if, in whatever way, either team were to lose the game.
“Spurs can’t afford to slip up again. I think being at bottom of the league and they spent a fortune and they’re not playing good football. They brought players in to try and change what happened last year and the year before and they’re in a worse position at the minute. De Zerbi would have been chomping at the bit to have a game but also it would have got him to work with a few more of his players, albeit there would be a lot away on international duty. So, it’s a massive game for Spurs and for Man United.
“De Zerbi did a great job last year, in keeping them up in the style that he did and clearly, as part of that, he got the contract he wanted and he got them spending a fortune on players that he wanted and demanded because he had huge power and in a huge position of strength, but he needs to get results now. I guess he’ll be the first to tell you that he’ll need to get results and he needs to get them quickly.
“It really depends on the manner of the results as to what action the Spurs board might potentially take in the near future, as at the moment it’s not okay. No one wants to lose games, but I guess it’s the manner and how you lose them or your manner how you don’t win them, which is the standout. There have been little glimpses of improvement and we will have to see what reaction they get at the weekend, but he’ll know and everyone else knows that he needs a result. He can’t afford to play Man United and be beaten 2- or 3-0, that’s for sure.”
*Alan Shearer was talking in association with BetFair.
