Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson thinks that Man Utd’s “wafer thin” squad could lead them to miss out on Champions League qualification this season.
Michael Carrick’s team finished comfortably in third place last campaign, but Merson says the fact that the club will be playing a lot more fixtures could cause them problems with consistency if they suffer injuries:
“Just worry about Manchester United with Europe. We saw it last season at times – their squad is wafer thin.”
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“If Bruno Fernandes got injured, then you’d really worry. And yes, they have Youri Tielemans in there, but I don’t see a dominant midfield.”
“Manchester United will have their ups and downs – and I don’t expect them to be challengers. It’s too early for that.”
Merson’s top six prediction
Unsurprisingly, the former Arsenal midfielder is expecting the Gunners to retain the title. The fact that he is predicting Liverpool to finish runners-up, though, is a bit odd, as it could be argued that Andoni Iraola’s side have more problems with squad depth than United.
Merson has gone with Chelsea in third, Manchester City fourth, and Tottenham fifth, grabbing the last Champions League spot ahead of Carrick’s men in sixth.
Do Man Utd have problems with squad depth?
‘Yes’ and ‘No’. In some areas, they are well catered for. They have three goalkeepers, five centre-backs, two right-backs, six central midfielders (if Baleba signs), two right wingers and two left wingers.
However, they only have one senior left-back in Luke Shaw, while the striker situation is a concern. Benjamin Sesko is still not 100% fit, and Joshua Zirkzee is expected to leave before the transfer window closes.
Carrick has recently stated that he wants further additions, and if he gets them, the Red Devils should have a good chance of finishing higher than where Merson predicts.