Paul Merson believes it would be a ‘miracle’ if Manchester United beat Man City in the FA Cup final, and if they succeed in that doing, Erik ten Hag “should get knighted”.
It has been a terrible season for Manchester United. The Reds have won just one of their last eight Premier League matches and sit eighth in the table.
As things stand, the best finish United can hope for is sixth…
Arsenal came away from Old Trafford on Sunday with three points.
Ten Hag is under a huge amount of pressure. INEOS have yet to decide if we will remain in charge for a third season at United, and we won’t get an update on that until the FA Cup final has been played later this month.
There is a chance that winning the FA Cup against rivals Man City could save Ten Hag, but United fans know that wasn’t enough for Louis van Gaal to avoid the sack in 2016.
Merson believes winning the FA Cup this season should not just buy the Dutchman more time at United, the former Arsenal man reckons the feat would be so impressive that “he should be knighted” if it happens.
“I mean, if they beat Man City in the FA Cup final, looking at the last few results, looking at Palace, he should get knighted,” Merson told Sky Sports after Arsenal’s 1-0 win.
“He should get knighted. I’m not exaggerating. He should get knighted, because it would be a miracle. It would be a miracle if they beat Man City.”
Beating City at Wembley is a huge ask – but it’s the only way to salvage the season. The players will then leave for their summer breaks, unless they are involved in Euro 2024 or the Copa America.
Merson went on to add that he is baffled by United’s current situation.
“I didn’t think my lifetime that I’d see this,” Merson continued. “I mean, eighth in the league… this is still like sitting here today, in my opinion, the biggest club in the world. You know, still one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
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