Paul Merson states his prediction for Man United v Southampton

Paul Merson says Manchester United are getting too much unfair criticism ahead of Saturday’s clash against Southampton.

The Red Devils eased to a 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield in their last Premier League game thanks to Wayne Rooney’s 78th-minute winner on Merseyside.

Sooner or later, though, they are going to play well and when they do teams are going to be in trouble

Paul Merson

However, Louis van Gaal’s side were still criticised for a conservative performance despite leaving Anfield with maximum points and a clean sheet.

Former Arsenal midfielder Merson believes United will have enough to beat Ronald Koeman’s Southampton side at Old Trafford and extend their winning run.

“United are getting a little too much stick if I’m being honest,” Van Gaal told Sky Sports.

“Don’t get me wrong, they were poor at Liverpool, but they won! You cannot argue with that. They have hung in through a difficult period and sometimes you’ve got to give credit where credit is due.

“They are winning games and I expect them to win here, although it will be hard as I just don’t see Manchester United blowing teams away like they used to.

“Sooner or later, though, they are going to play well and when they do teams are going to be in trouble.”

Southampton have lost their last four Premier League games on the road, while United are unbeaten in their last four top-flight outings.

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The Red Devils are in fifth place in the table and only a point behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the race to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.

The Saints were 2-1 winners at Old Trafford in the Premier League last season.