This Sunday at 19:30 GMT Saturday, Tottenham Hotspur will face Manchester United in their Premier League Matchday 6 fixture. Ahead of the game, Alan Shearer spoke to the media about his expectations for the match.
Shearer said: "I think Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur is probably one of the most important games this weekend. I know Liverpool against Manchester City will definitely grab all the headlines for obvious reasons, but in terms of the importance of the result, I think Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur is the most important this weekend, because if either side loses, regardless of how they lose, it could determine a manager's job."
"It's hard to say which team needs this result more. I think both clubs have their own reasons—Tottenham Hotspur has invested heavily, while Manchester United perhaps hasn't invested enough. So it's fair to say this game is crucial for both clubs and both managers, because you can imagine the immense pressure if either side loses."
"Tottenham Hotspur cannot afford any more slip-ups. They're currently struggling in the league, spent a lot of money on transfers in the summer, but are playing poorly. They brought in players to rectify issues from previous seasons, but now they're in an even worse position. De Zerbi is certainly eager to deliver a strong performance, and this match also gives him a chance to work with more players, although many are still on international duty."
"So this is a crucial match for both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. De Zerbi did a fantastic job last year, didn't he? He kept the team playing with that distinctive style, and obviously that's why he got the contract he wanted and the team invested heavily to bring in the players he demanded because of his influence and impact. But what he needs now are results."
"I think he'd be the first to tell you that he needs results, and he needs them quickly. It really depends on how the game unfolds to determine what action the Tottenham Hotspur board might take in the near future, because the current situation is not acceptable. Nobody wants to lose, but I think the manner of defeat is what matters most."
"The team has shown some signs of improvement, and we'll have to see how they perform this weekend. But De Zerbi and everyone at the club knows he needs a win. He absolutely cannot lose to Manchester United, and certainly not by a heavy margin."
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