BREAKING NEWS: “You want to stand a chance against Manchester United you have to bench because he will slow down your game which will give them the advantage as they have gotten a better manager” – Paul Merson advises Enzo Maresca to drop a key Chelsea player ahead of the crucial match against Manchester United.
Paul Merson has offered direct advice to Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, advising him to leave Jadon Sancho out of the starting lineup for Chelsea’s upcoming match against Manchester United. Merson is confident that Chelsea has an advantage and can outperform United at Old Trafford, especially if Maresca makes smart tactical choices.
Chelsea heads into this game looking to bounce back after a disappointing Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle United, despite recently defeating them in the Premier League. Merson considers the cup loss a minor setback in what has otherwise been a strong start to Maresca’s time at Stamford Bridge. He expects Chelsea to bring their best against a struggling Manchester United and believes they can dominate if they focus on their strengths.
Merson insists that Pedro Neto should start over Sancho. Sancho, who joined Chelsea on loan from United with an obligation to buy next summer, has shown mixed form, delivering three assists but failing to score and fully adapt to Maresca’s system. Merson argues that Neto, with his speed and direct style, could better expose United’s defensive vulnerabilities than Sancho. He feels Sancho’s tendency to slow down the game could work against Chelsea, as United struggles more with fast, aggressive attackers.
Adding to the tension, former United player Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to act as interim manager for this game following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. United is in talks with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim to become their permanent manager. Merson believes United’s recent issues reflect deeper problems within the club and agrees with the decision to part ways with Ten Hag, who failed to establish the consistency United needs.
Merson also doubts that Van Nistelrooy will have sufficient time to prepare United adequately for Chelsea’s visit. He sees United’s tactical disorder and lack of intensity as problems that can’t be quickly fixed, giving Chelsea an excellent chance to capitalize on these weaknesses and possibly secure a win.
He also comments on Ruben Amorim, United’s potential managerial target, acknowledging Amorim’s success in Portugal and his potential to bring stability to Old Trafford. However, Merson warns that the Premier League is a much tougher challenge, and Amorim would need to adapt quickly to its intensity and competition.
In summary, Merson is optimistic about Chelsea’s chances, believing they can make the most of United’s turbulent state if Maresca makes the right choices, including benching Sancho in favor of Neto. He expects Chelsea’s aggressive approach to be too much for United’s unsettled squad, particularly with Van Nistelrooy in temporary charge.
