- Manchester United are not ready for a title fight, says Paul Merson
- Arsenal legend claims United need to bolster their squad
- Slight rut under Carrick
Paul Merson has insisted that Manchester United are not yet equipped to challenge for the Premier League title, stressing the need to bolster the squad.
United have improved markedly over the past three months. Under interim boss Michael Carrick, they have rediscovered rhythm—seven wins, two draws, and two defeats across his 11-game spell.
Yet beneath that resurgence, warning signs persist.
Recent outings against Bournemouth and Leeds United yielded just a single point, and that dismal first half against Leeds exposed deeper structural issues. Leeds dictated every duel, every second ball, every phase—while United drifted, reactive and disjointed.
The first half was the side’s worst 45 minutes of the season.
For long stretches, the roles appeared reversed. United resembled the side scrapping for survival; Leeds played with the conviction of a team chasing Europe.
The missed opportunity only sharpens the concern.
A win would have stretched the gap to Chelsea to 10 points. Instead, it stands at seven, with a trip to London looming.
“Not ready to fight for the title”
Ahead of the 2-1 defeat to Leeds United, Paul Merson had already cast doubt, predicting a 1-1 draw and questioning United’s readiness before a ball had been kicked. He wrote in his predictions column for Sportskeeda.
“I don’t think Manchester United are ready to fight for the title next season. They need a few more players to come in. I don’t see them being competitive over 38 games with the same team. Manchester United’s focus should only be on getting back in the Champions League. If they can stay in that competition, it gives them good money to build their squad.”
He added:
“Now we’re used to seeing them play just once a week, but that isn’t where this club belongs and they need to get back up there quick. If you look at the fixtures, Manchester United should have enough to qualify for the Champions League next season.”
With Merson pointing towards reinforcements, attention now shifts firmly to the upcoming transfer window. There are just 61 days until it opens on 15 June and United must act decisively and invest in the areas that continue to undermine them.
The midfield stands out immediately. Casemiro edges towards the exit, leaving a void that Manuel Ugarte has yet to convincingly fill. His display against Leeds underlined that concern—laboured on the ball, overrun in midfield—though he did steady when dropping into the back line.
United require at least two, perhaps three, midfield additions to elevate both quality and depth. Alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, Elliot Anderson emerges as the standout profile.
He brings intensity, range, and control—a relentless box-to-box presence who has carried Nottingham Forest through a relegation-threatened season.
Even amid a relegation fight, Anderson has impressed, drawing consistent praise for his output and influence. That form, however, carries a cost, and any deal would likely push beyond the £100 million mark.
Stay Focused
Eyes now fix firmly on Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea on 18 April. Michael Carrick looks to steady the slide, but he heads into the fixture without three of his first-choice centre-backs.
Matthijs de Ligt continues to manage a back issue that dates back to November, while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez both serve suspensions following their dismissals.
Carrick now turns to youth. or the first time in his tenure, he prepares to start a centre-back pairing of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
