Paul Merson has given his prediction for Manchester United’s next Premier League clash against Brentford.
Writing in his weekly SportsKeeda prediction column, the former Arsenal midfielder turned Sky Sports pundit tipped Casemiro to be dropped from the team after his poor performance against Galatasaray on Tuesday night.
Merson has suggested Sofyan Amrabat could replace Casemiro in midfield, but if that happens who will Erik ten Hag select at left-back if Sergio Reguilon doesn’t return in time?
“Why would you bring in Amrabat only to play him at left-back? That decision cost Ten Hag a Champions League game,” Merson wrote.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they left Casemiro out here – you’ve got to give Amrabat a chance in midfield. They left him out to dry against Galatasaray – it’s a waste of time and it shouldn’t be happening.”
Merson overlooks the fact United’s defence has been depleted by injuries this season, and everyone knows Amrabat is fulfilling a role out of desperation. Sometimes you need players to carry out those duties, but I don’t think the decision is fair to criticise given the circumstances at play.
Furthermore, Merson said he has concerns for both teams going into the game. They are both in desperate need of a win but he thinks the game will end 1-1 at Old Trafford.
He added: “I worry for both of these teams. Brentford have got a few injuries, but so does everyone else in the Premier League at the moment. I look at them and wonder where they going to get a result.
“Galatasaray aren’t the greatest team in the world, but they wreaked absolute havoc at Old Trafford this week. Ten Hag has got big calls to make – they keep doing the same things and getting the same results. They’ve lost four of their last five games and are smashing every negative record at the moment.”
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Ten Hag’s poor tactics are costing us poor results. He most look shot of ideas when the team is trailing.
So players like Bruno have to be dropped for them to improve their game. They’re so comfortable that they’re an touched. Look when he didn’t play when we hosted Palace in the Carabao Cup. Hannibal showed that fight we want in that number. Bruno is crushing with fellow players, not always in the game for really he’s upto the captaincy.
Also Maguire should be in the team, he had a good game in the Carabao. Linder’s partnership with Varane isn’t good at all, they’re never committed to tacles. And at left I think Evans can manage that position to let Sofyan play his best position to cub that pressure on Casemiro.
Ten should lookup on these areas, stop inferiority complex.