Alan Shearer sends 'different' warning to Chelsea ahead of Man Utd clash

Alan Shearer has issued his prediction for Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United on Sunday. The Blues are fighting to get back into the top four, currently just one point outside the Champions League spots after a big win over Newcastle United last weekend.

United have been poor this season, but they are a dangerous side to face at this point in time due to Erik ten Hag being sacked earlier this week. Ruud van Nistelrooy is in temporary charge while the Red Devils await the arrival of Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP, having already confirmed his arrival on November 11.

Van Nistelrooy has overseen a Carabao Cup win over Leicester City that saw United score five, and players will no doubt be out to impress Amorim, who will be watching from afar. Chelsea will need to be on guard for that factor, and that is something Alan Shearer has pointed out when submitting his prediction for Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford.

“When a manager leaves and another comes in, there’ll be a different atmosphere, a renewed hope and belief at Old Trafford on Sunday, with or [Ruben] without Amorim, especially after Man United scored five goals in the Carabao Cup,” Shearer told the Metro.

“I was at St James’ for Chelsea’s trip in midweek, and it was a completely changed team from the league game between the two, and the side he puts out against Man United will be different again. It’s a tough one to call and probably why I’ll go for a score draw. I fancy both teams to score because both teams can improve defensively, and the added detail of a new manager in the dugout at Old Trafford for the first in the Premier League, whether that’s Ruben or Ruud, means Man Utd can get something out of this game.”

What van Nistelrooy has said

Interim United boss van Nistelrooy said this week: "Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player," Van Nistelrooy wrote in his programme notes before the Leicester game.

"I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work. We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough."