Paul Merson says he is ‘quite surprised’ Harry Maguire didn’t ask to leave Old Trafford during the summer and has made his prediction for ’s Premier League clash with .
Maguire started United’s first two games of the season, in which the Red Devils were beaten at home by Brighton and thrashed 4-0 at Brentford.
But he has been left out of United’s last three fixtures, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane forming an impressive centre-back partnership and helping Ten Hag’s side secure three successive wins.
With his game-time under threat and a just around the corner, Merson is ‘surprised’ Maguire did not push for a move away from Old Trafford towards the end of the summer transfer window.
‘At the moment, Manchester United’s back four is keeping both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw out of the team,’ Merson told .
‘That’s a problem for England and Gareth Southgate – Maguire is their main defender!
‘This is the World Cup we’re talking about, and while I don’t think there’s any reason to panic at the moment, the fact that he hasn’t played any football is going to be a worry.
‘I’m actually quite surprised he didn’t push for a transfer, to be honest.’
It remains to be seen whether Maguire will be involved in Manchester United’s fixture against Premier League leaders Arsenal tomorrow.
The Gunners are yet to drop a point this season but face a United team who look back on track following a dismal start to the campaign.
Making his prediction for the game, Merson added: ‘This is a massive test for Arsenal. They’ve won five Premier League games on the trot, and it’s important that they don’t lose this game.
‘If they go to Old Trafford and get a draw, it’s a great start to the season. If they lose, people will call them flat-track bullies – the same old Arsenal. This is a big match for them.
‘I don’t think Cristiano Ronaldo will get into the starting line-up for Manchester United this week. They’re confident as a team, and they’re hard to beat.
‘They’ve got two clean sheets, and it all starts from the front. Fair play to Erik ten Hag! They’re completely different from what they were against Brentford – that’s what top managers do.
‘It’s hard to tinker with a team when you’ve won three on the trot, and I don’t see Casemiro starting this game.
‘It would be unfair to the player as well if Man United lose on Sunday. Don’t change anything that isn’t broken. I’d go with the same eleven this weekend.
‘If Man United win this game, they’re into the Premier League top four. Four wins on the trot and everybody goes, “Wow! Look at them!”
‘I’d be quite shocked if Arsenal won this game. They might have to play without their two best footballers – Odegaard and Zinchenko.
‘If Odegaard is injured, I’d go with Emile Smith Rowe – for Fabio Vieira to start this Premier League game is a big ask.
‘Arsenal can’t afford to lose, and they don’t need to win this game right now – a draw should suffice and that’s what I’m going for, 1-1.’
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