Chris Sutton has predicted a thumping 5-0 victory for Leeds United over Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday, saying he has 'had enough' of backing the out-of-form visitors.
Michael Carrick's side are winless in their last five matches in all competitions after a midweek defeat to Atletico Madrid. The loss followed Lisandro Martinez's public criticism of the club's ambition and summer spending, for which the Argentine defender has since apologised and been fined.
Martinez comments 'a poor error of judgement'
Sutton believes Martinez's outburst will only hurt United's chances of a positive result. 'I found Lisandro Martinez's outburst about Manchester United's recruitment very strange, especially after his mistake that cost his side victory over Tottenham,' he told the BBC.
'You'd think Martinez would keep his head down after making a mess of the cross that let Dominic Solanke equalise. If I am United's director of football Jason Wilcox then, in January, I am buying a big left-sided centre-half who can deal with crosses to take his place.'
Sutton added: 'While some Manchester United fans might agree with what Martinez said, there is a time and a place to do it and it felt like a really poor error of judgement. It just shows what kind of state Manchester United are in at the moment, though. Don't forget that Spurs played them off the park early on in that game.'
Leeds to win 'convincingly'
Sutton is not convinced United's form will turn around this weekend. 'Maybe they will up their game and find a way to win this time because they are getting desperate – but I don't see it,' he said. 'I think Leeds will beat them, and beat them convincingly.'
'So far this season I have backed Manchester United most weeks but I have had enough of that. I must have lost my head to stick with them so long – not any more.' Asked for his specific scoreline, Sutton confidently said: 'Leeds 5-0 Man Utd.'
