Paul Merson says Enzo Maresca did something vs Manchester United that he still finds really ‘strange’

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Enzo Maresca’s recent decisions as Chelsea manager have come under criticism, with Paul Merson still struggling to get his head around one in particular.

Maresca is facing a big few weeks in order to get everyone back on board following a tough few weeks at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea fans showed their discontent at their manager following the 3-1 home defeat to Brighton at the weekend, making it back-to-back losses in the Premier League.

The blip in form domestically started with the defeat to Manchester United, one of their only two victories so far this season.

Paul Merson bemused at Enzo Maresca decision during Man United vs Chelsea

Robert Sanchez was sent off just minutes into the game, and the boss reacted by replacing his entire attack for more defensive players, with the exception of Joao Pedro.

This included taking off Pedro Neto, despite him looking like Chelsea’s best asset to drag them up the pitch in the time they were a man down.

Paul Merson actually believes the best thing Chelsea could have done was put Neto up front, and he described the decision to take him off at all as ‘strange’.

He said to ‘The Good, The Bad and The Football’: “But it’s just been the substitutions for me. Why? When he’s gone down to 10 men at the at Old Trafford the week before, the last person you take off that football pitch when you go down to 10 men is Neto.

“He’s the quickest player on the pitch by a million miles. So, what you do straight away, put him up front, play 2v1 and you’re playing 9v9, you know, and they’ll have to stay back too because no one’s quicker than him on the football pitch. And I just I found that strange.”

Neto seems to agree with Merson’s opinion

The Portuguese winger was asked recently about Chelsea’s approach in games where they have gone down to 10 men.

Neto hinted he wanted the Blues to keep attacking, which goes against the methodology laid out by Maresca in those two games.

The former Wolves man had enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign for Chelsea, however has seen his influence dwindle due to circumstances outside of his control.

He will be hoping he is given the chance to start and make an impact against Benfica, fresh off huge praise from Jose Mourinho, who will be in the opposite dugout.