Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag told to AXE Jadon Sancho and start Cristiano Ronaldo against Tottenham in Premier League clash

MANCHESTER UNITED should drop Jadon Sancho and start Cristiano Ronaldo against Tottenham on Wednesday night, according to Arsenal legend Paul Merson.

The Red Devils are looking to return to winning ways against Spurs at Old Trafford, three days after being frustrated in a goalless draw with Newcastle.

Erik ten Hag's men currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, three points adrift of fourth place Chelsea.

And Merson feels United's best chance of winning the match is to start with a front three of Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Antony.

Speaking in his column for , he said: "I think Cristiano Ronaldo will play this game.

"I only say that because I know that Tottenham will play everybody behind the ball.

"Manchester United will need to put balls into the box, and Ronaldo is the best header of the ball in the world.

"'I'd leave Jadon Sancho out this week and play Ronaldo, Rashford, and Antony up front."

Merson was also quick to stress the importance of the next few days for Ten Hag's side.

Less than 72 hours after their clash with Spurs, they then travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Graham Potter's Chelsea.

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So a couple of poor performances against their fellow top four rivals could see United lose touch with those above them.

"If United don't win this game, they take a draw and a defeat on their trip away to Chelsea," Merson added.

"They're facing two of the top four in their next two Premier League games, and it's a massive week for them.

"Liverpool could go bang-bang-bang for their nine points, and United could find themselves behind Liverpool by the end of the week.

"Manchester United have the hardest set of games out of everybody this week.

"This is a must-win game for Manchester United, and I don't think that is the case for Tottenham.

"Antonio Conte will want to make sure his team doesn't lose this match, and he'll be the happier of the two managers with a draw."