PAUL MERSON has made a bold bet while making an early prediction for next season.
The 56-year-old former Arsenal attacker was working for Sky Sports to watch the Gunners beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford.
The home side have been decimated by injuries this term, with ten players unavailable for their latest defeat.
That result left them stuck in eighth place and on course for their worst-ever Premier League finish.
United are now at serious risk of missing out on European football altogether having lost 19 games in all-competitions – the most since the 1978/79 season.
The defeat by Arsenal was also the club’s ninth at Old Trafford this campaign, the joint-most at home in a single season in their history.
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Despite all the changes off the pitch under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and speculation over Ten Hag’s potential departure, Merson is not convinced it will be a quick fix.
And he even vowed to get a Manchester United tattoo if they finish above Arsenal next season.
“It was shocking,” said Merson to start his rant on Sky Sports.
“It’s not good enough. You can’t lose nine games at home – this is Man Utd.”
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The ex-England ace explained that United cannot blame their dire displays on injuries as he highlighted how Luton and Chelsea have had to deal with players sidelined as well this term.
He continued: “I don’t care how many of those players get fit next season, there’s no way they are finishing above Arsenal next season. Not a chance.
“And I’ll have another tattoo as well. No chance. They are 30 points behind.”
That came after Merson had earlier declared that he had zero faith in Tottenham doing Arsenal a favour by beating title rivals Manchester City on Tuesday.
The Cityzens went top by thrashing Fulham 4-0 on Saturday, only for the Gunners to overtake them again with their win at Old Trafford.
But Arsenal have played a match more, with City’s game in hand coming tomorrow against the Gunners’ neighbours in North London.
And Merson made a wild bet live on TV as he insisted that Spurs have no chance of getting a result.
He said: “Arsenal are probably going to finish second.
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“If you’re relying on Tottenham to win or draw a football match… yeah… no.
“If they win that, I will have a Tottenham tattoo. I will. I’ll put it where you can’t see it!”
Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
Michael Owen – He has to go
“He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
“If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
