“You want to stand a chance against Manchester United you have to bench because he will slow down your game which will give them the advantage as they have gotten a better manager” – Paul Merson advises Enzo Maresca to drop a key Chelsea player ahead of the crucial match against Manchester United.

Paul Merson has advised Enzo Maresca to leave Jadon Sancho on the bench for Chelsea’s upcoming clash with Manchester United, expressing confidence that Chelsea will overpower the Red Devils.

Maresca’s Chelsea side heads to Old Trafford on Sunday aiming to rebound after their recent Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle United, despite beating the same team in the Premier League last weekend.

Merson believes the recent defeat was a minor setback in Maresca’s promising start as Chelsea manager and expects a strong showing from the Blues against Manchester United.

However, Merson urges Maresca to start Pedro Neto over Sancho, who joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy from United next summer.

Sancho, who has had an inconsistent start at Chelsea, has yet to score but contributed three assists. Merson notes that Neto’s pace could exploit United’s defensive weaknesses more effectively than Sancho, whose style often slows play down.

Meanwhile, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to be interim manager for Sunday’s game as United works to finalize a deal with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim to replace the recently dismissed Erik ten Hag.

Reflecting on United’s struggles, Merson commented that sacking Ten Hag was justified given their inconsistent performances. He believes Chelsea’s style of play and United’s lack of intensity will give the Blues an advantage in the match.

Merson also criticized United’s current state, suggesting they won’t have sufficient preparation under Van Nistelrooy to take on Chelsea effectively.

However, he acknowledged that Amorim, who has impressed in Portugal, may bring long-term stability to United, even though the Premier League represents a much more competitive challenge.