Paul Merson believes Ruben Amorim may have chosen the wrong club by joining Manchester United over Chelsea.
The Portuguese manager, currently with Sporting Lisbon, is set to take charge at Old Trafford on November 11, following his final game against Braga this weekend.
With Amorim expected to implement his favoured 3-4-3 system, questions have been raised about whether United’s squad is equipped to execute his tactics.
Merson, for one, is sceptical. He feels Chelsea’s current setup would have provided Amorim with a more natural fit for his tactical preferences.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson outlined his concerns about the challenges Amorim faces at United.
“I watch Manchester United and I really think Ruben Amorim has his work cut out at Old Trafford. You could say he probably has an advantage because we aren’t expecting much. But I watch all the other big teams and all of them have a plan in place, Manchester United don’t.
“When you look at the system that Amorim deploys at Sporting and you look at United, you don’t really know how many players at Old Trafford can pull that off.
“It doesn’t tick any box. Who will be the three at the back considering all their centre-backs available for selection aren’t the quickest? What about the wing-backs? They don’t have a proper goal-scoring no.9 like Viktor Gyokeres or two creative no.10s.”
Merson went on to explain why Chelsea would have been a better fit.
“If Amorim goes to Chelsea, you know he has the resources to become a success. Quick defenders like Reece James, Malo Gusto. Two good no.10s in the form of Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku. Nicolas Jackson has already shown he can deliver if given the right supply as well. The resources are there, unlike the situation at Old Trafford.”
Despite praising Amorim’s achievements in Portugal, Merson warns that success at United won’t come quickly.
“This looks like a really tough challenge for him and he won’t become an overnight success at Old Trafford because he needs the players for his preferred system.”
Zirkzee’s Identity Questioned
Merson also questioned the role of summer signing Joshua Zirkzee.
“I don’t know where he plays, what his identity is as a player. If you’re always behind the eight ball at Manchester United, it’s tough for you as a player. Mason Mount suffers from it, so did Anderson and many other players back in the day.”
Prediction: United to Overpower Leicester
Turning his attention to Sunday’s clash, Merson gave his verdict on United’s chances against Leicester City.
“Leicester did well to rescue a point against Ipswich last weekend. A defeat in that game would’ve been catastrophic for them. Jamie Vardy should remain fit throughout the season if they are to avoid relegation. I think there’s only one winner in this game though, and it’s not Leicester.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Leicester City.”