Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has argued that he can only see one outcome from Manchester United’s forthcoming Premier League showdown against Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim faces his toughest test at Manchester United when the Red Devils travel to the Emirates on Wednesday, with kick-off slated for 8:15pm UK time.
The 39-year-old Portuguese manager succeeded Erik ten Hag at United after he left Primeira Liga outfit Sporting CP in November and arrived at Old Trafford.
Following the November international break, Ruben Amorim kicked off his reign with a 1-1 Premier League draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road last month.
Amorim, who signed a contract until June 2027, then oversaw United’s 3-2 comeback win against Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford in the Europa League.
The United manager built on the momentum from the Bodo/Glimt encounter with a crushing 4-0 win for the Red Devils over Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.
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Ruben Amorim the head coach / manager of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Everton FC at Old Traff...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Merson on one Man Utd player vs Arsenal
Manchester United are now ninth in the Premier League table and Ruben Amorim’s men are only four points adrift from the top four.
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Arsenal, on the other hand, are second in the Premier League table and Mikel Arteta’s side are nine points adrift from league leaders Liverpool.
Amorim was dealt a blow ahead of the Arsenal match after Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez picked up bookings against Everton at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez will be suspended for the Arsenal match, but Paul Merson is convinced that one player’s absence could work in Amorim’s favour.
Speaking in his Sportskeeda column, Merson has claimed that Amorim could now turn to Harry Maguire for his three-man backline against Arsenal.
The Sky Sports pundit suggested that Harry Maguire is “like a magnet” when he defends from set pieces and his height would be advantageous for United.
“Arsenal work day in and day out on their set pieces and it’s clearly showing this season,” Merson said.
“It’s not just luck that they are scoring so much from such situations. However, the one thing that could work in favour of United in this game is the suspension of Lisandro Martinez.
“He’s not the tallest of defenders and will now most likely be replaced by Harry Maguire, who is like a magnet when defending set-pieces.”
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Merson’s scoreline prediction for Arsenal vs Man Utd
Merson insisted that Arsenal are “flying at the moment” under Mikel Arteta and has tipped the Gunners to beat United 3-0 at the Emirates.
“But United are still working on their best shape under Amorim, while Arsenal under Arteta are flying at the moment,” he added.
“The Arsenal players know everything about their game and you will see that on the pitch in this game.
“I don’t see any other result than an Arsenal win, but I will go kind on the scoreline.”
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