In an interview with Sky Sports, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has given his insight into the future of Manchester United. He believes that United should put a legend like Gary Neville in charge of player reinforcements. Neville played his entire career at the United club and has a deep knowledge and insight into the game of soccer. Merson suggests that Neville could be put in charge alone or hand in hand with another United legend, Rio Ferdinand, to work together on the rebuilding of the team.
Merson has questioned the quality of United's recent recruitment efforts, particularly in relation to the £80 million spent on Anthony. He mentioned that he had watched Anthony play in Holland and thought that the player's style of play was relatively one-dimensional, mainly breaking down the wing and then cutting inside to shoot. Merson is concerned that in a league as competitive as the Premier League, where every wing-back is of international standard, they will soon be able to figure out Anthony's routines. Therefore, Merson believes that United's investment in Anthony is risky, and may not even be able to recoup the £40 million cost if they decide to sell him in the future.
Speaking about the future of Manchester United manager Jurgen Ten Hagar, Merson expressed his belief that he will be given more time. He believes that there may be some panic within the club and some may suggest a change of manager. But Merson believes that Ten Hagar needs time to implement his rebuilding program, which is a real boost to his confidence. Merson stressed that United must have had a plan in place at the start of the season, and if the club's new owner, Mr. Ratcliffe, endorses it and sees it as a five-year plan, it is unrealistic for United to catch up with Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool in the short term. As such, Merson has called for United to be patient and the only way to achieve this is to stand firm on the plans set out.
