PAUL MERSON believes Manchester United failing to finish in the Premier League top four would represent a meltdown.
United were top-of-the-table in January but have dropped 13 points in their last eight league games, and they are now just five points ahead of fifth-placed Everton.
The Red Devils have experienced a dip in form recently and ex-Arsenal defender Merson insists it would be a ‘major collapse’ if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Merson wrote in his Daily Star column: “Manchester United are on the verge of a meltdown – because that’s what it would be if they don’t finish in the top four.
“They were top of the league not so long ago and if you’re in with a chance of winning the title and then you don’t finish in the top four, that’s a major collapse.
“United have stopped scoring goals and teams below them have winnable games. They have opened the door. And they could be caught.”
A run of three games without a goal in all competitions highlights Merson’s concerns.
That has coincided with Bruno Fernandes struggling to impact matches, and the Sky Sports pundit believes United are too reliant on the Portuguese international.
He argues attacking players are not pulling their weight, and that is having a negative effect on Fernandes’ output.
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Merson added: “Look at the players they have. Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Daniel James.
“There’s a lot of ammunition there. Players who can hurt you. But too often it’s all about Bruno Fernandes.
“They’re always waiting for him to do something special. But teams are targeting him now and he’s getting tired. It’s taking a toll on him.
“He’s been carrying a massive football club on his shoulders for too long this season. Someone else has to step up.”
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