Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said that he would “choose” one Manchester United star for the Red Devils’ Premier League contest against Brentford on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag’s men finally return to action for the first time since the end of the October break, with Manchester United hosting Brentford at Old Trafford.
United are currently 14th in the Premier League table and have only won two of their opening seven league matches in the 2024-25 campaign.
The Red Devils played out a 0-0 Premier League draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park ahead of the October international break.
Ten Hag faces mounting pressure at Old Trafford after United’s lacklustre results this season, with the Dutchman facing fierce criticism for his side’s run of form.
Merson on Ten Hag ahead of Man Utd vs Brentford
Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson has admitted that he thinks Erik ten Hag’s future is “alright” after Thomas Tuchel’s return to management.
Thomas Tuchel was heavily linked with Manchester United in the summer and Ten Hag confirmed the club has spoken with the 51-year-old German.
However, the ex-Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss did not arrive at Old Trafford and Tuchel has now been appointed as the head coach of the England national team.
“Brentford can score again in the first minute this weekend!” Merson wrote.
“If that happens, you never know what’s next for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United. Brentford are free-flowing, they will score at Old Trafford, that’s for sure.
“But the problem is that whenever they take the lead, they just can’t seem to hold on to it and win.
“Manchester United can’t win a game for a toffee anyway, so I’m going for a draw in this one.
“I expect Brentford to cause them problems throughout this game. In terms of Ten Hag’s future, I think he’s alright now.
“Thomas Tuchel has joined England so that’s another top manager unavailable now. If Manchester United get beat by Brentford and they sack him, that’s not the right way to run the club, in my opinion.
“Now that they’ve decided to back him beyond the international break, I’d be shocked if that happens too.
“A club like Manchester United should not be worried about teams like Brentford, it should be their rivals at the top.
“It being the opposite now is the harsh reality of where they are as a club.”
Merson talks scoreline prediction and Man Utd star
Merson remains unconvinced about United summer signing Joshua Zirkzee, who has scored only once in 10 matches across all competitions since his arrival at the club.
The Sky Sports pundit admitted that Rasmus Hojlund should start ahead of Joshua Zirkzee for the Brentford clash due to the Denmark striker being a “better finisher.”
Merson believes United will walk away with a point at Old Trafford, with the Arsenal legend warning that Brentford are “definitely scoring” in his 2-2 draw prediction.
“Joshua Zirkzee did well at Bologna, but it’s a different game here in England and especially at Manchester United,” he continued.
“You’re always under the microscope at this club, if you miss a chance or [do] not get a chance, it’s always a talking point. What’s his best position? Where do they play him?
“You’ve also got Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, so that’s four players fighting to be in that front three.
“And no matter who among them Ten Hag decides to drop, he always gets stick, which is a bit unfortunate.
“Against Brentford, I’d choose Hojlund over Zirkzee. He’s a better finisher in my opinion and Manchester United will need goals to win this one because Brentford are definitely scoring.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/6P0H4pg