Alan Shearer says Manchester United will BEAT Arsenal as “impressive” star is Rúben Amorim’s secret weapon

Legendary Premier League striker Alan Shearer has predicted that Manchester United will defeat Arsenal in a shock result during the FA Cup third round.

Manchester United begin their FA Cup defence on Sunday afternoon with a trip to North London to take on Arsenal.

The Reds lifted the trophy in May 2024, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo sealing victory under Erik ten Hag at Wembley.

Now under the leadership of 39-year-old Rúben Amorim, who replaced Ten Hag after his dismissal in October, United have experienced mixed fortunes but have shown glimpses of progress.

In December, the last encounter between the two sides at the Emirates saw Arsenal prevail with two goals from corners. Despite that defeat, United’s performances away to top sides have drawn considerable praise.

Shearer makes bold Arsenal vs United prediction

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has had his say on the upcoming fixtures at the Emirates Stadium, with the ex-Newcastle front-man predicting a huge win for Amorim’s men.

Shearer explained that he feels if United are able to put in a similar performance to that of the club’s draw against Liverpool, they will give Arsenal a properly tough time.

Speaking to BetFair, he said: “If Man United turn up with the same attitude and performance, I can see them going through to the next round.

“I just think that Arsenal are struggling in front of goal, and haven’t scored as many goals as they want. They missed one or two against Newcastle and I can see Man United going in there, and if they put in another good performance then I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they won.”

Continuing, he explained: “For Arsenal, it’s unlikely that they’re going to win the league, and they’re in a really sticky position in the Carabao Cup. They have a really tricky tie against Man Utd at home, which they now need to win.”

Dalot is Amorim’s secret weapon against Arsenal

Last week, Shearer praised full-back Diogo Dalot for his display against Liverpool, saying he feels the player was the key to United performing so well at Anfield.

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Similarly, the 54-year-old now feels that Amorim can use Dalot as a secret weapon once again, despite the 26-year-old playing out of position at left wing-back.

“I would think that there will be one or two changes in the Arsenal team,” Shearer said.

“In terms of the full-backs, especially with Diogo Dalot having given Trent Alexander-Arnold a torrid time last week, he was at the centre of their attacking play.

“It will be interesting to see if he can be that impressive again against Arsenal, down that left-hand-side up against Ben White.”

Fans should note that English defender White is not available for Arsenal this weekend due to injury, with Jurrien Timber occupying Arsenal’s right-back position against Newcastle in midweek.

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