Merson: Carrick Needs Fernandes and Cunha to Step Up for United

Paul Merson believes Michael Carrick must keep Bruno Fernandes in the lineup and is urging Matheus Cunha to find a steadier rhythm as Manchester United gears up for a crucial clash against Aston Villa. After a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Roma in the Champions League, United finally tasted victory after a 10-match winless streak. However, Merson warns that this result shouldn't overshadow the ongoing issues facing Carrick's side. As they look ahead to their Premier League matchup with Aston Villa, Merson is skeptical about whether United can maintain that momentum. "Bruno Fernandes is essential for Manchester United," Merson stated. "In tough times, you need your best players on the pitch, and he’s undoubtedly their best." Fernandes demonstrated his resilience by stepping up to retake a penalty after a previous miss, showcasing a level of bravery that Merson admires. "You can’t keep sidelining him," Merson added. "Even if he’s off form, there’s no one better than him in the squad. It’s crucial not to cut your nose to spite your face." Merson recalled the wise words of Brian Clough, who advised to always field your strongest team when the going gets tough. He believes that for United to turn things around, Fernandes must be a part of that solution. Despite flashes of brilliance, Merson insists United need to play consistently well for longer stretches. "They showed promise against Chelsea and had moments against Roma, but you can’t win matches with just 10 or 15 good minutes." Turning his attention to Cunha, Merson appreciated the player's passion but noted his inconsistency. "He's a nine one week and a four the next. At a club like Wolves, that might fly, but at United, you need to be at least a seven every week." Cunha must adapt to the higher expectations at Manchester United, where every match demands a solid performance. Merson pointed out that even new arrivals face mounting pressure, as seen with Carlos Baleba, who recently suffered an injury. "At United, losing brings a different kind of scrutiny than at other clubs," Merson observed. "The standards are much higher here." Reflecting on the Roma match, Merson commended United’s spirit but cautioned against overestimating their performance. "Being 2-0 down and still finding a way to win shows guts, but they were also fortunate." He noted that luck played a role in their comeback, with a retaken penalty and a Roma defensive error contributing to their victory. "It’s a great win, but it’s not a complete turnaround. I still think they’ll struggle against Aston Villa this weekend," he said, pointing out Villa's superior form compared to Roma. Ultimately, Merson feels for Carrick, suggesting the challenges stem from the players rather than the manager. As Manchester United prepares to host Aston Villa at Old Trafford, the pressure is on for a solid performance. Kick-off is set for 4:30 PM and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.