Paul Merson states his prediction for Man United v Swansea

Paul Merson is tipping Manchester United to finally return to winning ways when they host Swansea City at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Louis van Gaal has found himself under intense pressure at Old Trafford in recent weeks after a winless run of eight games in all competitions.

Despite their stuttering form, United produced a much-improved display against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday night in their final game of 2015.

United’s poor run of form has caused them to drop out of the top four and down to sixth place in the Premier League table.

However, former Arsenal man Merson is fully expecting to see the Red Devils kick off 2016 with a victory over the Swans at Old Trafford this weekend.

Merson told Sky Sports: “I thought Manchester United did alright against Chelsea, much better. They were playing against a team who did not have a centre forward, but I thought they played with a better tempo, it was more like the United we know.

“I look at it now and I expect them to win this game 2-0. I could see a little turn in performance from the weeks before the Chelsea game, and I think Morgan Schneiderlin in the team is a no-brainer.

“For Swansea, I wonder when the managerial situation will be resolved. Surely they had a manager lined up after they sacked Garry Monk? It can’t help the situation. They have to be careful, because if they lose this game, they’re still near the mud.”

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United, who finished fourth in Van Gaal’s first season in charge at Old Trafford, were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage earlier in December.