Merson delivers scathing verdict on United's transfers as derby looms

Paul Merson has delivered a damning assessment of Manchester United’s summer transfer window, arguing the club’s recruitment has left manager Michael Carrick with a squad too shallow to compete at the top of the Premier League — with Sunday’s Manchester derby against City arriving at a precarious moment.

United were held to a draw at Everton in their most recent outing, a result that Merson described as symptomatic of deeper structural problems. The club have already conceded six goals in just three Premier League games, and the former Arsenal midfielder believes the defensive frailties stem directly from a flawed approach in the market.

“I don’t think Man United have bought very well,” Merson wrote. “The squad isn’t big enough. It’s nowhere near enough. Defensively they’re nowhere near good enough. They let in two goals against Everton — and they were two good goals, but one of them was from the edge of the box. Everybody’s behind the ball.”

The left-back position has emerged as a particular concern. Luke Shaw remains the only senior option in that role, with 19-year-old Harry Amass the sole natural back-up. Despite late enquiries during the window, no addition was made. Patrick Dorgu, who can play on the left, has been deployed further forward, leaving Carrick heavily dependent on the 31-year-old Shaw, whose fitness has already been carefully managed this season.

Merson also took aim at United’s in-game decision-making during the Everton draw, arguing that a defensive substitution when leading handed the hosts the initiative. “When you’re winning, put another forward on. Don’t take a forward off and put a defender on,” he wrote. “Man United just invited pressure on. If you’re Coventry and you go in front at Everton, you of course put a defender on. But when you’re Man Utd, I don’t see the need to do that — if you’re dictating the game, Everton don’t get that chance for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.”

The pundit framed Sunday’s derby as a pivotal early-season moment, even if it is only the fourth round of fixtures. “Man Utd have got the Manchester derby — and their season is in the balance too,” he said. “If you beat Man City, you’re flying. If you get beat by Man City, here we go again. It would be one point from two games including the Everton game and other teams are winning around you.”

Merson confirmed the concerns informed his pre-season predictions, having left United out of his top-five finish picks. “Nothing’s changed for me since then,” he added. “When you draw games, it hurts you.”