Manchester United earn first win in ten games but face consistency issues

Paul Merson has stated that Michael Carrick needs Bruno Fernandes in the Manchester United squad and has urged Matheus Cunha to demonstrate more consistency. Following United's thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Roma, Merson acknowledged the team's resilience in overcoming a two-goal deficit but cautioned that the win should not mask the underlying issues facing Carrick's side. This victory marked United's first in ten matches, highlighting the urgency for improvement.

Merson emphasised the importance of having Fernandes on the pitch, particularly during challenging times. He noted that Fernandes is United's best player and should not be sidelined, even if he is not performing at his peak. Merson referenced the wisdom of Brian Clough, suggesting that in tough periods, teams should revert to their strongest line-up, which must include Fernandes to enhance their chances of success.

Cunha's fluctuating performances have also drawn Merson's attention. He described Cunha as a passionate player but pointed out that his inconsistency—performing at a high level one week and poorly the next—cannot be tolerated at a club of Manchester United's stature. Merson argued that players at such a prominent club must deliver steady performances week in and week out, unlike at clubs fighting relegation.

While praising United's comeback against Roma, Merson acknowledged that luck played a role in their victory. He pointed out that crucial moments, such as a penalty retake for Fernandes and defensive errors by Roma, contributed to the win. Despite the positive result, Merson warned that it should not be seen as a complete turnaround for the team, as significant issues remain that need addressing.

Looking ahead to their match against Aston Villa, Merson expressed doubts about United's ability to carry momentum from the Roma win. He believes that Villa, playing at a higher level, will provide a stern test for Carrick's side. Merson feels that the Roma match only temporarily masked the challenges facing United, and he is keen to see how they perform against Villa this weekend.

via Sky Sports