BREAKING NEWS: Paul Merson advises Enzo Maresca to bench a key Chelsea player for the upcoming match against Manchester United, stating that keeping him on the field could slow down their game and give United an advantage, especially with their improved management.

Paul Merson has offered candid advice to Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, suggesting he omit Jadon Sancho from the lineup against Manchester United. Merson believes Chelsea can dominate United at Old Trafford if Maresca adopts the right tactics.

Chelsea enters the match aiming to bounce back from a Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United—a team they had recently defeated in the Premier League. Despite the disappointment of that loss, Merson sees it as a minor setback in Maresca’s promising start with Chelsea.

He expects the team to come out strong against Manchester United, who are currently struggling, and believes Chelsea could control the game by focusing on their strengths.

Merson is clear that Pedro Neto should start instead of Sancho. Sancho, on loan from United with an obligation to buy next summer, has had a mixed spell so far, providing three assists but yet to score.

Merson argues that Neto’s pace and directness could better exploit United’s defense, whereas Sancho’s slower style may hinder Chelsea’s attack against United’s vulnerable backline. He feels Neto’s speed could be more effective in unsettling United’s defense than Sancho’s approach.

Adding a twist to the match, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to manage United on an interim basis following Erik ten Hag’s departure.

United is reportedly in talks with Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon as a potential permanent manager. Merson supports the decision to let Ten Hag go, noting the team’s inconsistency under his management and expressing skepticism about United’s direction.

Reflecting on United’s current state, Merson believes Van Nistelrooy will have limited time to address United’s issues before the Chelsea game. He sees United’s lack of tactical clarity and intensity as challenges that won’t be easily resolved, creating an opening for Chelsea to take advantage.

Merson also acknowledges Amorim’s achievements in Portugal and believes he could bring stability to United but warns that the Premier League demands quicker adaptation and is far more competitive than the Portuguese league.

In summary, Merson feels Chelsea is well-situated to exploit United’s disarray, assuming Maresca makes decisive choices, including prioritizing Neto over Sancho. He anticipates that Chelsea’s aggressive approach may prove too much for United’s unsettled team, especially with Van Nistelrooy in temporary charge.