Paul Merson makes clear Man Utd vs Southampton scoreline prediction as warning sent over ‘problem’ in one team

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Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has dropped his two cents on Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Southampton on Thursday at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have seen a turnaround in form under Ruben Amorim since the start of 2025, with Manchester United impressing in their last two fixtures.

Ruben Amorim’s men produced a superb showing against Premier League leaders Liverpool earlier this month to secure a 2-2 draw at Anfield.

United then stunned Premier League rivals Arsenal on Sunday after the Red Devils’ sensational penalty shootout win at the Emirates in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Red Devils’ win over Arsenal was their first victory across all competitions since their 2-1 comeback result against Manchester City in December 2024.

United had a disappointing end to 2024 after Amorim’s side suffered four consecutive defeats – three in the Premier League alone – across all competitions.

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Merson on Man Utd form under Amorim

Manchester United languish in 13th place in the Premier League table and the Red Devils are seven points above the relegation zone after 20 matches.

The Red Devils are 13 points behind fourth-place Chelsea and mounting a challenge for a Champions League qualification spot now deeply unlikely.

Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson has insisted that he expects Ruben Amorim’s men to “wipe the floor” with Southampton at Old Trafford.

However, Merson warned that the Premier League result all but depends on which United team “turn up” and highlighted that was a “problem” with Amorim’s side.

“It’s all about what Manchester United turn up, that’s the way it is with them now,” he said.

“You would expect them to wipe the floor with Southampton, but they have to turn up for this game feeling like that and that’s been a problem with this group in the past!

“They’ve had two good results against Liverpool and Arsenal, but they got ripped apart by Bournemouth and Wolves before that. Doesn’t that sum it up?”

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Merson drops Man Utd vs Southampton prediction

Southampton arrive at Old Trafford in dismal form and Ivan Juric’s men are bottom of the Premier League table after managing only six points.

The Saints have only won one Premier League match in 20 fixtures in the 2024-25 campaign and Southampton have lost four of their last five league clashes.

Merson argued that United “should win” on Thursday evening and the Arsenal hero has backed a 3-0 scoreline for the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

“Manchester United should win this game,” he continued.

“If they don’t win it, oh my god that would be an absolute disaster! Southampton might end up setting a new record for the lowest points by a team in a Premier League season.

“I just don’t see how they can win a game, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they register fewer points than Derby County (11) back in 2007/08 season.

“It’s still a long way to go for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim and they cannot be happy with anything less than three points in this game.”