Paul Merson says Man Utd trio can ‘hurt’ Man City, urges Ruben Amorim to start all three

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Paul Merson has told Ruben Amorim that he must start the Manchester United trio in the Manchester Derby.

While on paper being two of England’s biggest, this Manchester Derby has a drastically different feel.

Neither side are in form, with Manchester United on a run of one win in three after Ruben Amorim ended the losing streak on Thursday with a 2-1 win over Plzen.

Meanwhile, things are actually worse for Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola is on a run of one win in 10 games, which seems completely ludicrous given how dominant they have been for years.

Due to this, Amorim has suggested he is actually more excited to take on City in the coming years, where he has predicted the games could decide titles.

Now though, he will be doing everything possible to claim all three points in his first derby as United head coach.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Paul Merson tells Ruben Amorim how to beat Manchester City

Amorim joined Sir Alex Ferguson in the history books on Thursday by winning his second game in Europe as the United boss.

Every week, pundit Paul Merson writes his predictions column for SportsKeeda, and of late it has been all losses. However, this week in the Manchester Derby he thinks there is one way Amorim can beat Guardiola.

“If Ruben Amorim wants to win this game,” the Sky Sports pundit and former Premier League striker explained. “He must opt for a front-three with the likes of Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Everybody is exposing City through counter-attacks and this trio can hurt them with their pace.”

Continuing, Merson said the pace is the way United can hurt City, but it may not be enough.

“Like I said, if United can hurt City with pace, they have a chance in this game. They must not sit back and go into a shell while trying to defend themselves all the time. They must take the game to their rivals. I still think City hold the edge here though.”

Merson’s prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

• READ MORE: Premier League 24/25: Man Utd Fixtures, Schedule, International Breaks & More

Merson questions who would buy Marcus Rashford from Manchester United

Earlier this week, rumours around the uncertain future of Rashford resurfaced, with a £40m price tag now being touted. This is a drastic £80m drop on United’s prior valuation, indicating almost a desperation to cut ties.

“There are rumours about Amorim approving the sale of Rashford ahead of the January transfer window”, Merson also began to discuss. “I’m not sure who buys him though.

“His wages are through the roof and it’s not justified at all in his performances! It will be difficult to get rid of him.

“Manchester United are in disarray and them selling one of their highest-paid players? It doesn’t make sense to the buyer.

“If it’s Paris Saint-Germain, why don’t they just sign whoever United want to replace Rashford with? That’s a much better deal.”