Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson spoke out on Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim as part of his Premier League scoreline prediction for Newcastle vs Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim’s men return to Premier League action on Sunday and Newcastle will host Manchester United at St James’ Park, with an 8pm kick-off time in the UK.
The Red Devils languish in 13th place in the Premier League table and United have only won 10 times in 31 league matches in a lacklustre 2024-25 campaign.
United only have seven league matches remaining and Amorim’s side are on course for their worst Premier League finish since the league’s creation in 1992.
The Red Devils face an uphill battle to finish in the top half of the Premier League and could miss out on a place in a European qualification spot for next season.
United still remain in the Europa League and UEFA’s second-tier club competition remains Amorim’s last chance to lift major silverware as United manager this season.
The Premier League club could also punch their ticket back to the Champions League in the 2025-26 campaign if United lift the Europa League trophy.
What Paul Merson had to say on Ruben Amorim ahead of Man Utd’s Premier League visit to St James’ Park vs Newcastle
Ruben Amorim’s men were in action on Thursday evening and Manchester United and Lyon played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.
The Red Devils’ last outing in the Premier League came last Sunday, with United and City walking away with a point apiece after a forgettable 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.
United have won only two of their last five Premier League matches ahead of their trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking in his Sportskeeda column, Paul Merson said that he has seen “signs of improvement” in United since Amorim’s arrival from Sporting CP in 2024.
“Manchester United will frustrate Newcastle, but I still think the Magpies will win this game,” he said.
“Even though United have shown signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim, I don’t think they have it in them to get a win here.
“The race for top four is getting tighter and tighter, meaning Newcastle cannot afford to slip up.”
Paul Merson dropped a clear Premier League scoreline prediction for Newcastle vs Man Utd at St James’ Park
Newcastle are still pushing for a place in the Champions League for next season and Eddie Howe’s men are fifth and are one point ahead of sixth-place Manchester City.
The Magpies have a match in hand over fourth-place Chelsea and Newcastle are level on points with the Blues and are four points behind Nottingham Forest.
“Eddie Howe has done enough already in my opinion,” Merson continued.
“Winning that cup was everything for this club. Now getting a top-five finish would be the icing on the cake and they are so nearly there as well!
“If they win this game and get another three points in their game in hand, I think they will finish in the top five.”
Merson has backed Eddie Howe’s side to come out on top at St James’ Park and the Sky Sports pundit believes that Newcastle will beat United 2-0 in Sunday’s clash.
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