Paul Merson’s blunt warning for Man United ahead of Liverpool clash

Paul Merson has admitted that he “felt sorry” for Manchester United’s fans after their comprehensive 2-0 defeat by Liverpool in last week’s Europa League clash at Anfield.

Louis van Gaal’s men were thoroughly out-played on Merseyside as Jurgen Klopp’s men secured victory to take a big step towards qualifying for the quarter-finals of Europe’s second tier club competition.

United have faced plenty of criticism for their below-par display against the Reds and now have their work cut out as they prepare to overturn the first-leg deficit when they host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

And former Arsenal man Merson has delivered a blunt assessment of United’s performance as the Red Devils look to bounce back on Thursday.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “[The performance was] shocking, clueless, heartless, and brainless – one of the worst I’ve ever seen.

“I felt sorry for Manchester United fans the other night, I don’t usually feel sorry for their fans because of the unbelievable success they’ve had over the years.

“But I felt for them at Anfield. They watched 11 players who didn’t have a clue how big that football match was to those fans.

“Van Gaal didn’t have a clue how big the match was either. He is so far above himself that he didn’t view that as a big game for the fans… either that or he is not worried about the fans getting the hump.”

United have come in for plenty of criticism for their inconsistent form under manager Van Gaal all season.

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The Red Devils travel to Manchester City in the Premier League next Sunday.