Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has shared his two cents on what lies ahead for Manchester United in the Nottingham Forest match and the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Manchester United faced Sunderland in their last Premier League encounter and the Red Devils walked away with a lacklustre 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Michael Carrick’s men are within touching distance of finishing third in the Premier League table after Man Utd secured a point over Sunderland last weekend.
United only need another point from the Nottingham Forest match at Old Trafford or the Premier League trip to the Amex for the Brighton tie to end the season in third.
Paul Merson rules out a Premier League title challenge for Man Utd in the 2026-27 campaign
Irrespective of the outcomes of the Nottingham Forest and Brighton matches, Manchester United will be back in Europe in the 2026-27 campaign at Old Trafford.
United legend Michael Carrick ensured that the Red Devils would be back in the Champions League after his transformative impact since his January appointment.
Speaking in his Sportskeeda column, Paul Merson cannot see Man Utd being in the Premier League title picture amid their Champions League run next season.
“Manchester United were poor against Sunderland last weekend,” he said.
“That squad looked shallow and it just shows how many more signings they need to be able to compete in the Champions League.
“I don’t think Manchester United even have an outside chance of pushing for the Premier League title next season.
“They will do well to qualify for the Champions League again and that’s about it. The challenge of playing in midweek could hurt them if they don’t recruit well enough.”
Paul Merson backs Man Utd to overcome Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford
Merson pointed out that Forest have escaped Premier League relegation this season, but he expects United to beat Vitor Pereira’s men 2-1 at Old Trafford this weekend.
“Nottingham Forest are safe from relegation now,” he added.
“If you consider where they were mid-season, I think they will be happy with the deep run in the Europa League and retaining their status in the Premier League.
“However, Forest are a team that narrowly missed out on Champions League football last season.
“So clearly, there has been a drop-off when you look at it from that lens. I believe the fans will expect more from the team and Forest should try to kick on and not be involved in another relegation battle next season.”
Man Utd and Forest’s Premier League clash is slated for a 12:30pm UK time at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/9K3cz2M