'Million miles off' - Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag told what he needs to do to close gap on Man City

Paul Merson believes Manchester United need to be braver going forward if they have any chance of closing the 'million mile' gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Reds rightfully felt unlucky after succumbing to defeat against Arsenal in the dying stages of Sunday's clash at the Emirates Stadium. United and the Gunners were locked at 1-1 when Alejandro Garnacho thought he had won the match for the visitors but VAR overturned the strike for offside.

Arsenal would go on to hit a one-two sucker-punch on Erik ten Hag's side as Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus both scored in stoppage time to cement the three points. Defeat left United six points behind leaders City as they head into the international break and Merson believes the club need to be more adventurous as they aim to close the gap.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Manchester United go away to draw games. They try not to lose a match before they try to win it.

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"I don't understand. If teams are scoring goals then you've got to have a go.

"I think the manager's got to be braver. He's got the players to be braver. It's too negative - counter-attacking football. I do worry for Man United.

"The Sir Alex Ferguson days are long gone. They're as far away from winning the league as you'll ever see. I know everyone's a long way off Manchester City but they're a million miles off.

"You forget they're one of the biggest teams in the world. Man United can't even stump up £7m for Marc Cucurella. They're taking a player [Sergio Reguilon] that can't even play for Tottenham.

"They've got the Jadon Sancho thing now as well. Just keep it in-house. Rasmus Hojlund looked good - a right handful. But