Paul Merson expects Man United to lose when they face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday night.

Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim is under massive pressure after a poor start to the season, and writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson warned the 40-year-old that he must change his ways or his team “will get destroyed” this weekend:

“I’m a bit lost with Manchester United if I’m being honest. I don’t see where they are going. Ruben Amorim plays the same system every week. When you play that formation, your wing-backs have to be the best players in the tea,m and that’s not the case at United!”

“Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund has already scored after joining Napoli on loan. The pressure at Manchester United is immense, and with all due respect, these players are going to a lesser league and scoring goals. So part of the problem is finding players who can feed off that pressure.”

“The other main problem is the lack of service for strikers at United. Erling Haaland will never score 60 goals for Rochdale! It’s always about the service with these type of strikers. Hojlund never got that Old Trafford and now he’s playing with Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay. If you are that type of a striker, you are only as good as the players who serve you. How is Benjamin Sesko supposed to score when he isn’t getting the service?”

“If Chelsea match Manchester United’s system, Amorim’s men will get destroyed. I can’t see anything but a win for the visitors at Old Trafford.”

What scoreline has Merson predicted for Man United vs Chelsea?

The Sky Sports pundit has gone with a 3-1 win to the away side, and that result could lead to even more supporters calling for Amorim’s head.

Reports suggest that the board are willing to give the Portuguese coach until the next international break to turn the club’s fortunes around, but many have already lost patience. An improved performance on Saturday is needed to quieten the dissenting voices.

Man United vs Chelsea team news

Matheus Cunha (hamstring), Mason Mount (knock) and Diogo Dalot (muscular) are all doubts for Saturday, while Lisandro Martinez (ACL) has already been ruled out.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has eased fears about Cole Palmer’s fitness.The attacking midfielder looked in considerable discomfort following the 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich midweek. The Blues could also have Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile back available.

However, Dario Essugo (thigh), Liam Delap (hamstring), Levi Colwill (ACL) and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension) are not in contention.

Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here