Former Leeds United striker Michael Bridges has backed Manchester Metropolis to assert a cushty 3-1 victory over Manchester United of their upcoming FA Group Cup conflict. Bridges expects Erling Haaland to make his mark within the English soccer curtain-raiser on on Saturday, August 10.
Manchester United sprung an upset over Manchester Metropolis within the FA Cup ultimate in Could. Erik ten Hag’s males performed with confidence and vigor in opposition to the English champions, coming away with a well-deserved 2-1 victory. The win additionally secured UEFA Europa League qualification for the Crimson Devils, which many consider saved Ten Hag’s job.
Ten Hag and Co. will meet Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis within the first recreation of the English calendar on Saturday, and followers from the purple aspect of Manchester predict one other spirited efficiency. Participant-turned-pundit Bridges, nevertheless, will not be satisfied the lightning will strike twice.
Michael Bridges Delivers Blunt FA Group Defend Verdict
Talking on the Optus Sport YouTube channel, the ex-Sunderland man mentioned (through Manchester Metropolis.information):
“[The FA Cup final] was in all probability the match that saved [Erik] Ten Hag in his job as a result of the ways he confirmed within the ultimate after they beat Manchester Metropolis 1-0 was in all probability the primary time I’ve gone dangle on, this man does truly know or has been capable of showcase what he’s all about.
“So it’s one other probability for him to ship an upset. There’s plenty of large gamers out for Manchester United for one motive or one other, however why not, it’s a one-off match, something can occur and if it’s something to go by, they’ve obtained an opportunity.”
He added:
“Nevertheless, after seeing Manchester Metropolis in pre-season and a firing [Erling] Haaland, I don’t give them a lot hope.
“Prediction I’m going to go for Manchester United 1-3 Manchester Metropolis.”
Manchester Metropolis had a good pre-season tour in the US. Guardiola’s males misplaced 4-3 to Celtic within the opening recreation earlier than struggling a 3-2 defeat to AC Milan. Of their third recreation, they held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw however misplaced 4-2 on penalties. Their solely win on the tour got here in opposition to Chelsea, with the champions claiming a 4-2 win.
Haaland, who has two Premier League Golden Boots to his identify, was in advantageous type all through. He scored 5 targets in 4 video games, together with a hat-trick in opposition to Chelsea.
