Paul Merson has refused to change his mind about Manchester United’s chances of finishing in the Premier League’s top five, despite their recent 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah.
Manchester United have taken four points from their opening three league games, beating Ipswich, losing to Hull City and drawing with Everton. Their European victory on Thursday provided a welcome boost, but Paul Merson believes Michael Carrick’s squad still has too many weaknesses to compete across multiple competitions.
The former Arsenal midfielder had already left Manchester United out of his pre-season top five and says nothing he has seen so far has changed that view.
Merson told Sky Sports: “Man Utd have got the Manchester derby – and their season is in the balance too. If you beat Man City, you’re flying. If you get beat by Man City, here we go again.
“It would be one point from two games, including the Everton game. And other teams are winning around you.”
The Manchester derby could therefore be another key moment for United in the season, with Merson believing another dropped result would leave them under pressure early in the campaign.
Paul Merson questions Man Utd squad depth
Merson’s biggest concern is not simply United’s starting XI but the size and quality of the squad behind it.
“I’ve said all along: I don’t think Man Utd have bought very well. The squad isn’t big enough. It’s nowhere near enough.”
He also questioned United’s defensive record after they conceded twice against Everton, arguing that their problems cannot be ignored just because both goals were well taken.
“Defensively they’re nowhere near good enough. They let in two goals against Everton – and they were two good goals, but one of them was from the edge of the box. Everybody’s behind the ball.”
The former Sky Sports pundit was particularly critical of United’s approach after taking the lead against Everton. He believes Michael Carrick should have kept attacking rather than making changes that invited pressure onto his defence.
“When you’re winning, put another forward on. Don’t take a forward off and put a defender on.”
Paul Merson warns dropped points could hurt United
Paul Merson also questioned United’s ambitions ahead of the game. He believes a team with United’s ambitions should be looking to control games rather than simply protect narrow leads.
“If you’re the other manager, you think: ‘Oh no, what am I going to do?’. Instead, Man Utd just invited pressure on. Just don’t do that, especially if you’re a big team.”
He accepts that a smaller club would take a different approach, but believes Manchester United should have continued to dictate proceedings against Everton.
“If you’re Coventry and you go in front at Everton, you of course put a defender on 100 per cent. But when you’re Man Utd, I don’t see the need to do that.”
The late equaliser from Ainsley Maitland-Niles ultimately cost United two points, and Paul Merson fears those dropped points could become costly when the top-five battle takes shape.
“So I am worried – and this is why I didn’t put Manchester United in my top five at the start of the season. Nothing’s changed for me since then. When you draw games, it hurts you.”
United now face Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday in a much-anticipated Manchester Derby.
Manchester United News & Talking Points: Sesko, Mainoo, Man City and More
Manchester United News & Talking Points: Sesko, Mainoo, Man City and More
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Man City: Carrick set to Keep Sesko
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Man City: Carrick set to Keep Sesko