Paul Merson makes bold Marcus Rashford claim ahead of Newcastle clash

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has sent Manchester United a warning ahead of their clash against Newcastle United on Sunday.

United travel to St James' Park in third place and are looking to ensure they don't drop out of the top four with both Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur close behind.

The Magpies have had a super season battling for Champions League qualification under Eddie Howe and will go level with United if they win.

Former Arsenal player turned pundit Merson expects Newcastle to continue on their run and sent a stark warning to Man Utd.

What did he say?

Merson spoke about United's recent form and said that they have become too reliant on Marcus Rashford who has scored 30 goals in all competitions this season.

Speaking to Sportskeeda (via Metro), he said: "What a game! This game could really open it up. Manchester United aren’t playing well at the moment and they’re very reliant on Marcus Rashford and his goals.

"Someone else has got to chip in now. They’ve had some results but they aren’t ripping it up.

"Newcastle are playing at home and a draw isn’t good enough for them. I’m going to go with Newcastle to win this game, 2-1."

Howe's side have only lost once at home this season so it's a huge ask for United to pull off a victory.

Rashford is expected to be fit for the game and if the Red Devils are to cause serious problems for Newcastle it's likely to come from him.

United failed to register a Premier League win in March slumping to an embarrassing 7-0 defeat away to a struggling Liverpool and only managing a 0-0 draw at home to relegation-threatened Southampton.

Ten Hag is hoping to secure a return to the Champions League in his first season as boss, but he can't afford many more slip-ups if he's to achieve that goal.