Arsenal legend Paul Merson has criticized Manchester United over their recent showings, adding it would be the biggest shock of the season if they beat Liverpool in their upcoming Premier League meeting.
Ruben Amorim’s out-of-sorts Manchester United will make the dreaded trip to Anfield Stadium for their Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday, 5th January.
The Red Devils have been all over the place in recent weeks, lacking quality, cohesion, and focus. Since the start of December, the 20-time English champions have played nine games in all competitions. They have won three games and lost six. Amorim’s men are currently on a three-game losing run in the Premier League, conceding seven goals and scoring none. With 22 points to their name after 19 games, United find themselves in 14th place in the rankings.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been on a dream run under Arne Slot. Playing 18 games in the English top flight, the Merseysiders have won 14, drawn three, and lost just one time. Having amassed 45 points, they sit at the top of the Premier League standings.
Paul Merson Says It Will Be the Shock of the Season if Liverpool Lose to Manchester United
Previewing the clash between Liverpool and Manchester United, Merson wrote in his Sportskeeda column:
“It would be the biggest shock of the season if United win at Anfield.
“I can’t believe what I’m watching from Manchester United right now. The first 20 minutes against Newcastle was like an FA Cup third-round game where a League Two side played at Old Trafford – United were that bad!”
3 years ago today…
Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/V26X6LI27E
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 24, 2024
The Englishman continued:
“Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have had unbelievable careers, but they can’t play together in the Premier League anymore. This isn’t the Portuguese league; Ruben Amorim has to pick the team accordingly. The team he set up against Newcastle, I actually thought they did well to lose only 2-0! When I saw that line-up, I was like, ‘Wow, this could end up being a big loss for United’.
“I just can’t see United getting anything from this game. I also think it’s inappropriate for Amorim to be saying they are close to a relegation battle. He needs to adapt quickly to the Premier League. Unless Andre Onana has an absolute blinder, Manchester United have no chance in this game. They follow this game up with Arsenal in the FA Cup, and I expect them to lose that as well!”
Merson’s prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Manchester United
Liverpool, who are on a 23-game unbeaten run in all competitions, were held to a goalless draw in this fixture last season. It will be interesting to see if the Mancunians can once again frustrate the Merseysiders this weekend.
