What Paul Merson said about Man United in September will amuse Ruben Amorim
Manchester United can continue their recent resurgence when they visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday (November 1).
Ruben Amorim was threatened with the Man United sack following just two wins from their opening six matches, but now, the mood around Old Trafford has completely switched.
The Red Devils have secured victory in three successive Premier League matches, including a 1-0 win over Liverpool, to move into top-four contention.
Man United travel to Nottingham Forest this weekend with a chance of climbing into the Champions League spots, something that was unimaginable during September.
Paul Merson said Man United ‘haven’t got the quality’
United have been plagued by inconsistency since Amorim was appointed manager a year ago, but in the last three matches, the Premier League giants have found their groove.
Their charge towards European contention has been led by the irrepressible duo of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, as well as midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes.
Mbeumo and Cunha were on the mark during Man United’s 4-2 win over Brighton last time out as the Red Devils demonstrated their incredible attacking prowess.
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Paul Merson would have watched on with a red face after stating that United ‘haven’t got the quality’ to challenge this season.
Speaking in September to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I don’t see them finishing anywhere near it this season, there’s too much work to be done. They haven’t got the quality.
“They were decent against Burnley, but it ends up 2-2 and they need a penalty in the last minute. Their best two players are Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha, they cannot afford to be missed.
“He still hasn’t won back-to-back games in the league, nearly a year in. That’s unthinkable for a club like Man Utd. Unthinkable.”
Premier League’s xG table
Amorim’s system has been scrutinised at Man United, seeing the opposition exploit their deficiencies, particularly in wide areas.
But unlike last season, the Red Devils can outscore their opponents through the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Cunha, Mbeumo, Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
As a result, United are one of the Premier League’s best at creating chances and currently rank second for expected goals scored.
| Premier League’s expected goals (xG) table |
| Crystal Palace – 19.45 |
| Manchester United – 18.47 |
| Liverpool – 17.20 |
| Manchester City – 16.97 |
| Arsenal – 16.22 |
That figure of 18.47 only places them behind Crystal Palace, who have incredibly underperformed their xG by 7.45.
More importantly, though, Amorim now has the players in his squad who can take chances after scoring 15 in their first nine.