Arsenal legend Paul Merson brands Manchester United as arrogant for not wanting to have a parade for the Europa League. The Red Devils will face their London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, in the Europa League final, after having a disastrous season.
United are currently 16th in the Premier League table, only one point ahead of Spurs, as both teams suffered immensely. For a club of United’s stature, such a steep decline in the Premier League is embarrassing, despite their European success.
The Red Devils appointed Ruben Amorim to succeed Erik ten Hag in the middle of the season to change fortunes. However, Amorim’s vastly different tactical style of play created a big problem for the squad he inherited from Ten Hag.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has bigger ambitions than winning the Europa League, something Paul Merson and Arsenal lack.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has bigger ambitions than winning the Europa League, something Paul Merson and Arsenal lack.
United’s squad failed to adjust to the new tactical demands, as their inconsistent individual performances persisted, along with poor teamwork. The Europa League is also a chance for United to qualify for the Champions League competition for the next season.
However, nothing can lessen their Premier League wound, particularly after arch-rivals Liverpool won the league title and equalled their record. Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson branded United arrogant for not doing the parade, highlighting that Arsenal would love to have a parade if they had won any trophy. He said:
“Man Utd are a million miles off. Enjoy it (trophies) while you can. For me, it’s a bit of arrogance, with the club thinking they are entitled to win trophies. Winning trophies was the past, so enjoy the present. Who says they win another one for 15 years? Now they’re going to have a barbecue, think of the fans! They’ll let you know when the parade is on whether it was right to do. Do not leave the fans out because it is about the fans. I would want a parade. They could win a trophy and if they win it, they have won more than Arsenal. Arsenal would love to have a parade. It is hard to win trophies, so do not underestimate winning one. It is difficult.”
Merson’s opinion comes from a personal displeasure that his favourite club, Arsenal, are failing to seize a trophy despite dominance. The Gunners are on the verge of finishing second in the Premier League for the third season in a row.
"Think of the fans!"
Paul Merson believes Manchester United will look 'arrogant' if they win the Europa League and don't throw a trophy parade for the fans 👎 pic.twitter.com/jdocqjyXsP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2025
Furthermore, they have failed to achieve success in the cup competition, despite having such a formidable squad at the moment. The thing that Merson forgot is that the Red Devils have won trophies in recent seasons while struggling.
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The majority of United fans consider Ten Hag’s tenure a failure, yet the Dutchman won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. United and Arsenal are simply two vastly different clubs in their capacity to win trophies. Nevertheless, the Manchester giant will always prioritise the Premier League and the Champions League, judging according to the major titles.