Paul Merson: Ruben Amorim…

Paul Merson believes that Ruben Amorim needs to adjust his tactics at Manchester United to rectify his currently “unthinkable” record.

In his latest column for Sky Sports, Merson contends that the players at United are not suited to Amorim’s style and even hints that Chelsea would have been a more appropriate destination for the Portuguese coach.

Furthermore, Merson shares his insights on Arsenal’s prospects for the Premier League title following their convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, as well as Liverpool’s intriguing start to the season after Mohamed Salah salvaged a point with a late penalty against Burnley.

Continue reading for Merson’s complete analysis…

‘Amorim’s tactics clash with player capabilities’

Merson expresses concern that Amorim is sticking rigidly to his tactical approach.

He likely won’t make adjustments, relying on the philosophy that has brought him success up until now, which incorporates a three-man defense and aggressive wing-backs.

Amorim would have thrived at Chelsea, where top-notch wing-backs like Reece James and Malo Gusto are present, along with the league’s best holding midfielder in Moises Caicedo. These players would be a better match for his tactical style.

In contrast, United’s squad is ill-suited to his system; the wing-backs lack the necessary quality, which is crucial for the success of his formation. The midfielders also fail to provide sufficient support.

‘Flexibility is crucial’

Adaptability is essential in management. Being able to adjust tactics doesn’t mean abandoning your core beliefs; it’s simply about being strategic based on circumstances.

Merson doesn’t anticipate United finishing in a respectable position this season due to the quality issue within the team.

Although their performance against Burnley was solid, ending in a draw after conceding a late penalty illustrates a lack of consistency—they have still not managed to win back-to-back league matches nearly a year into Amorim’s tenure, a situation that seems inconceivable for a club of United’s stature.

Merson wishes to see more tactical adjustments made by Amorim based on the available players. It is concerning that after nearly a year at the club, he has yet to identify his optimal team configuration, exacerbated by the inconsistency among defenders.

‘Critical weeks ahead for Arsenal’s title aspirations’

The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for Arsenal as they navigate a challenging schedule.

Despite missing key players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice against Nottingham Forest, their performance illustrated their squad depth. The comfortable victory indicated their potential quality.

If they successfully navigate the upcoming fixtures, Merson sees them as legitimate contenders for the title, indicating that if they maintain their form, they hold a significant advantage.

The match against Liverpool showcased Arsenal’s strength; it was the most composed performance by an Arsenal team at Anfield in 20 years. Had the match ended in a stalemate, questions would have been raised about who could challenge Arsenal this season.

‘Madueke’s fit with Arsenal’s style’

Noni Madueke is encouraged to continue his strong performances as the season unfolds.

Arsenal’s quick ball movement is advantageous for him, allowing for more one-on-one situations, in contrast to Chelsea’s slower play, which can often double up on wingers.

Madueke’s performances have been impressive so far, including a notable goal against Serbia, exceeding expectations. However, he needs to maintain this momentum throughout the season.

‘Concerns about Liverpool’

Merson has reservations about Liverpool, suggesting they should currently be mid-table and have benefited from unearned points.

In recent matches against Arsenal and Newcastle, as well as a last-minute penalty win against Burnley, Liverpool has not displayed the offensive threat expected of them. It’s plausible that without those fortunate outcomes, they could be in the lower half of the table.

Merson believes there’s a lot for Arne Slot to remedy in Liverpool’s setup, particularly with the Florian Wirtz signing appearing ineffective. With teams defending against Liverpool, Wirtz experiences limited space to operate. The midfield trio that propelled Liverpool to last year’s league title—Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai—haven’t performed to the same level this season, allowing opposition teams to capitalize more easily.

Even with the potential of having exceptional players, success relies on their ability to cooperate as a cohesive unit. While Liverpool could still rise up the table, their current form suggests they are merely winning despite subpar performances.

‘Emery’s potential to revolutionize Villa’

However, Merson notes that Aston Villa has underperformed thus far; they aren’t creating significant scoring opportunities. This trend is concerning for a team expected to be competitive.

Despite their struggles, Merson maintains faith in manager Unai Emery’s ability to turn the situation around, but he emphasizes the importance of addressing the lack of a striking option.

Merson is particularly disappointed with Ollie Watkins’ form, believing the team needs more goal threats to foster a competitive spirit. Overall, he argues that while the managerial talent exists, the current squad situation is less than inspiring.

In conclusion, Merson confidently states that if anyone can turn things around at Villa, it is Emery.

Paul Merson: Ruben Amorim…