EPL: Paul Merson Believes Ruben Amorim Would Have Thrived at Chelsea
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has suggested that Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim would have been a “perfect fit” for Chelsea, insisting the Portuguese coach’s style would suit the Blues far more than United.
Chelsea are currently enjoying a strong run under Enzo Maresca, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino over a year ago. The Italian has already guided the club to the FIFA Club World Cup, a UEFA Conference League title, and a return to the Champions League.
For Amorim, however, life at Old Trafford has been far less rewarding. Since succeeding Erik ten Hag, United have endured one of their toughest periods in recent history. They finished 15th in the Premier League last season, lost 2-0 to Tottenham in the Europa League final, and have collected just 31 points from 31 league matches, winning only eight.
The struggles have fueled speculation that Amorim could be dismissed, with the club enduring their worst start since the 1992-93 season.
Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, argued that Amorim’s tactical system would have flourished at Stamford Bridge instead.
“He would have been a perfect fit for Chelsea,” Merson said. “They’ve got world-class wing-backs in Reece James and Malo Gusto, and in Moises Caicedo they have the best holding midfielder in the league. It fits the players.”
By contrast, he believes the current United squad is ill-suited to Amorim’s approach:
“You look at Man United and this system does not suit the squad they’ve got at all. The two wing-backs are nowhere near it, nowhere near good enough. No legs in midfield. Everything is up against him.”
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