Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson spotlighted the run of form of both Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo in his prediction for Manchester United’s forthcoming encounter with Newcastle.
Bruno Fernandes has now enjoyed a stunning run of form in the No 10 role under Michael Carrick in the post-Ruben Amorim era of the Premier League club.
The 31-year-old Manchester United captain has netted two times and picked up five assists in seven Premier League matches under interim head coach Michael Carrick.
Kobbie Mainoo, much like fellow midfielder Fernandes, has been in impressive form for the Red Devils since United legend Carrick returned to Old Trafford in January.
Paul Merson on Newcastle’s run of form and Bruno Fernandes’ impact for Man Utd under Michael Carrick
Newcastle lost 3-2 at St James’ Park in the Premier League against David Moyes’ Everton side at the weekend ahead of hosting Manchester United on Wednesday.
Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Arsenal legend Paul Merson admitted that the Magpies look out of place in their performance against Everton on Saturday.
“Newcastle look very tired,” he said.
“They don’t look like the team that usually play at St James’ Park. Just look at their recent results at home. 3-2 losses to Everton and Brentford, 2-0 loss to Villa, goalless draw against Wolves. It’s not the Newcastle we knew.
“Last season, they had a good combination between Sven Botman and Fabian Schar at the back.
“They are getting a bit exposed this time around with Dan Burn in there. Don’t get me wrong, I like Burn and he’s a good player, but they are not the team from last season.”
United defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon and Bruno Fernandes netted and picked up an assist in the second half of the clash.
Merson said that Fernandes has returned to his “best” version since Michael Carrick succeeded former United manager Ruben Amorim on an interim basis.
“Bruno Fernandes is back to his best under Michael Carrick,” he added.
“But in that game against Crystal Palace, I thought Manchester United were very slow to start.
“They were fortunate to not concede two goals. If United start like that against Newcastle, they are in trouble!”
Paul Merson on Kobbie Mainoo under Michael Carrick and his scoreline prediction for Newcastle vs Man Utd
Kobbie Mainoo has had his place restored in the United starting XI under Carrick and Merson insisted that the 20-year-old England midfielder has since been revitalised.
“Kobbie Mainoo has also stepped up so well in recent weeks,” Merson continued.
“All Carrick has done is put everybody back in their best positions and they are playing freely. It’s definitely a good time to be a Manchester United supporter.”
Merson has added that United face a tough test against Newcastle during their Premier League visit to St James’ Park, despite their run of form under Carrick.
“Newcastle are still a threat at home,” he explained.
“They need their midfield three to start firing if they want to hurt Manchester United here. I expect an entertaining draw.”
Sky Sports pundit Merson has predicted a Premier League scoreline of 2-2 between Man Utd and Newcastle for Wednesday evening’s clash at St James’ Park.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/j69FzUI