Teddy Sheringham has suggested the situation around Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire may be acting as a distraction for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Ex-United frontman Sheringham was speaking ahead of the Red Devils' Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. In addition to winning the treble with United in 1999, the 56-year-old scored more than 100 goals for Spurs across two different spells in north London.
There has been plenty of chatter around Ronaldo and Maguire this season, with two of last year's regular starters no longer guaranteed a starting spot. Maguire's recent injury-related absence has seen attention turn elsewhere - including on Ronaldo, who didn't appear to take kindly to being substituted in Sunday's goalless draw with Newcastle United.
“The Tottenham camp seems a bit more harmonious at the moment and Manchester United are having a tough time, it’s been a bit up and down for them to be honest,” Sheringham told Gambling.com. "Because of all the ego problems and the managerial problems that Ten Hag has to face with the likes of [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Harry] Maguire, and whether or not they’re going to be leaving in January, it can be hard to get the team to focus."
Ronaldo scored a hat-trick at home to Spurs last season to give United a 3-2 victory. The result completed a league double over the London side, after a 3-0 win earlier in the season saw Nuno Espirito Santo sacked by Spurs.
Nuno's replacement Antonio Conte has overseen a significant uptick in results, though. Spurs finished fourth last term, and have a chance to go second with a win at Old Trafford.
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“There are still a lot of problems at United, whereas when I look at Tottenham I think they’re all going in the same direction," Sheringham continued. "They seem to love playing for Conte, even though he’s a little bit defensive, but the vibe I’m getting from the Tottenham players is that it’s a happy camp.
“I would say there’s not a lot between the two teams but because of the way things are I expect Tottenham to just about shade it. It could be a very tight game, but it’s Tottenham to nick it for me.”
Spurs go into the game off the back of four wins from five in the league, including two in a row against Brighton and Everton. United' meanwhile, have won just one of their three games since beating Arsenal on September 4.
Conte's team lost Richarlison to injury in Saturday's win, and will be without the Brazilian for their trip to Old Trafford. However, things aren't as bad as first feared for the former Everton man, who is expected to return in time for the World Cup next month.
