Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has made his clear-cut scoreline prediction for Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Erik ten Hag will no doubt demand for his side to put in a convincing display after Manchester United’s performance against Coventry City on the weekend.
The Red Devils were in for a rude awakening in their FA Cup semi-final tie after United scraped through to the final thanks to a 4-2 penalty shootout win.
However, United had impressed in regular playing time after taking a 3-0 lead against Coventry City, only to capitulate late in the second half of the contest.
Mark Robins’ Championship side superbly rallied back against the Red Devils and forced the tie into extra time after Haji Wright’s injury-time penalty.
United have punched their ticket to the FA Cup final next month and the Red Devils will face Manchester City in a repeat of last season’s showdown at Wembley.
Erik ten Hag came within touching distance of the FA Cup trophy in 2023, only for United to suffer a 2-1 defeat to crosstown rivals Manchester City.
United have fallen a whopping 16 points behind fourth-place Aston Villa in the race for top four, although Unai Emery’s men have played two matches more.
However, it is likely that Ten Hag’s men will secure Champions League football for next season in their remaining six Premier League matches.
Merson talks Ten Hag and potential replacement
Speaking in his Sportskeeda column, Paul Merson slammed Manchester United’s performance against Coventry City and said it was “as bad as it” could have been.
The Sky Sports pundit insisted that United manager Erik ten Hag is “under pressure” and the Dutchman could be on the chopping block at Old Trafford.
Merson claimed United need a manager for the “long haul,” but he has thrown his hat behind Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as the ideal replacement for Ten Hag.
“Erik ten Hag is under pressure and could be sacked at the end of the season,” he said.
“I know Manchester United need someone from the long haul, but they could do well with someone like Carlo Ancelotti.
“When I watched Real Madrid against Manchester City at the Etihad, I watched a handful of global superstars work their socks off to get a result away from home – that’s what Manchester United need.
“People will ask why Ancelotti would go to Manchester United, but he’s won it all in Spain multiple times! I can’t see it happening, but he’s the kind of manager they need.”
Merson makes Man Utd vs Sheffield United prediction
Sheffield United arrive at Old Trafford on Wednesday bottom of the Premier League and 10 points adrift from 17th place Nottingham Forest.
Chris Wilder’s men are all but certain to be relegated by the end of the season, with Sheffield United picking up two draws and three defeats in their last five matches.
Merson has backed the Red Devils to beat Sheffield United 3-0 and offers Chris Wilder’s side “no chance” at Old Trafford.
The Sky Sports pundit also offered his two cents on the controversy surrounding Antony’s over-the-top celebration in the FA Cup win against Coventry.
“My boys showed me the contrasting reactions from Harry Maguire and Antony after Rasmus Hojlund scored the winning penalty,” Merson continued.
“One was classy and the other one wasn’t, but I don’t want to have a go at Antony.
“Maybe as a young kid in Brazil, he’d have grown up dreaming of playing a big cup final in Wembley, so his emotions probably got the better of him.
“Sheffield United are going to get relegated and literally gave up against Burnley, so I give them no chance at Old Trafford.”