Manchester United head down South to tackle Bournemouth this weekend in hopes of claiming their first Premier League win for over a month.
Indeed, the Reds’ last victory in the top-flight came against Everton at Old Trafford on March 9, with both goals coming in the first half from the penalty spot.
That result came prior to the international break, which was subsequently followed by a 1-1 draw at Brentford, a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and a 2-2 draw with Liverpool – all of which were action-packed clashes from start to finish.
Such form has left the prospect of a top-four finish now a distant hope. United sit 11 points adrift of both Aston Villa (fifth) and Tottenham Hotspur (fourth), although they have played one less match than the former.
Therefore, it’s safe to say that each of the side’s remaining seven fixtures cannot be anything less than wins. They don’t face Villa or Spurs again this term, so are left relying on other teams to do them favours, however, that only matters if United claim the maximum 21 points available.
Pundit shares bleak outlook on United’s season
Paul Merson shared his verdict on the Reds’ turbulent campaign thus far when giving his prediction for Saturday’s Cherries trip.
“Manchester United are playing for a spot in the UEFA Europa League, they are out of the running for the Champions League,” he penned in his Sportskeeda column. “Bournemouth won’t get relegated but they aren’t really playing for anything and are in no man’s land at the moment.
“As for the away side, I just can’t see where they are going. They are 11 points behind Aston Villa and they did the double over Unai Emery’s side – it’s a madness! I can’t for the life of me understand how this is carrying on at a club of Manchester United’s stature. If this was a film, you’d turn the film off!
“They only got a point against Liverpool because the Reds missed way too many chances. Until Bruno Fernandes scored his worldie, they were on the ropes.
“Nothing changes for them – they lose a few games, get a decent result and return to square one. It’s a dangerous, vicious cycle. They need to acknowledge that this is not good enough.”
Merson’s prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 United.
