Merson identifies four key problems Erik ten Hag will need to address after Manchester United defeat
Red Devils' defensive frailties exposed once again against Manchester City, while the team's attacking stars failed to fire
Paul Merson has identified four key problems that Erik ten Hag will need to address at Manchester United following their 6-3 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
The Red Devils' defensive frailties were exposed once again as City ran riot at the Etihad Stadium, with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick and Phil Foden netting a brace.
United's attacking stars also failed to fire, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho all struggling to make an impact.
Merson's four key problems for Man Utd:
- Defensive frailties: United's defence has been a major problem all season, and they were once again exposed against City. The team has conceded 21 goals in their last six games, and they need to find a way to shore up their backline.
- Lack of creativity: United's midfield has lacked creativity all season, and they were unable to create any clear-cut chances against City. The team needs to find a way to get more out of their midfielders, and they may need to sign a new creative player in the January transfer window.
- Lack of leadership: United have lacked leadership on and off the pitch all season, and this was evident against City. The team needs to find a way to get more leadership from their senior players, and they may need to sign a new captain in the January transfer window.
- Lack of confidence: United's players have lacked confidence all season, and this was evident against City. The team needs to find a way to rebuild their confidence, and they may need to sign some new players in the January transfer window who can help them turn things around.
Merson also predicted that United will lose to Leicester City in their next match on Thursday.
"Leicester are a good team, and they're in good form," Merson said. "I think they'll be too strong for United at the moment."
