Paul Merson has predicted how Manchester United will fare on their visit to Bournemouth this Saturday while issuing a damning verdict.
This season hasn’t been great for Manchester United, although there have still been some real high moments.
Among these have been two impressive outings against Liverpool with last week seeing two goal of the season contenders in a 2-2 draw.
But this weekend against Bournemouth represents a vastly different challenge, one United will be expected to clear.
How will Erik ten Hag‘s side fare away from home at the Vitality? Paul Merson has had his say ahead of the game on Saturday.
Let’s find out what he’s said…
Paul Merson shares his thoughts on this season’s struggles
Writing in his weekly Premier League predictions column on SportsKeeda, Merson has issued a damning review of United’s season so far.
“Manchester United are playing for a spot in the UEFA Europa League, they are out of the running for the Champions League. Bournemouth won’t get relegated but they aren’t really playing for anything and are in no man’s land at the moment.”
He then ripped into United for this season’s shambles.
“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 predicts Manchester United vs Bournemouth
After his rant on United’s season to date, Merson then had to predict the result when Ten Hag heads to the Vitality this Saturday.
With no reason to be confident in the Red Devils winning, Merson had to predict a draw. The scoreline he predicted was; Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United.
A fair prediction, given just how poor United have been over the last couple of weeks.
Given what the Cherries did to Ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford earlier this season, it’s likely that the Dutchman would actually take a draw at this stage.
But failing to win probably finally ends the outside hopes of Champions League qualification for United this season.