Paul Merson has dealt a blow to Manchester United’s new signing, Marcel Sabitzer.
United have just announced the signing of the 28-year-old midfielder, in the last hours of the winter transfer window.
Christian Eriksen’s ankle injury forced the club to aggressively search for a replacement on deadline day.
United explored other options such as Saul Niguez, Yannick Carasco, Isco
They eventually decided to go with Sabitzer, which was the manager’s preferred choice.
Isco, Saúl Ñíguez, Houssem Aouar and Yannick Carrasco were all offered to #mufc today, but United did not pursue any of the deals. Marcel Sabitzer is the player they wanted [@skysports_sheth]
— utdreport (@utdreport) January 31, 2023
Paul Merson, however, was not impressed with the signing.
???? “He doesn’t make the Bayern Munich team. It’s a panic”. ❌
Paul Merson not convinced by Manchester United and Chelsea’s search for Marcel Sabitzer pic.twitter.com/5ICZTX9Geq
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 31, 2023
“He [Sabitzer] He is not part of the Bayern Munich team, as the coach has just said”.
“It is very far from that. The two of him in midfield are cemented, but if he was that good, he’d be pushing.”
“Then again, it goes back to the panic. There was no interest in him on January 1. Now, it’s a panic buy.”
“Eriksen just got injured. It’s a panic. You are buying Bayern Munich fourth pick players. For me, I’m not sure about that. He does not make the Bayern Munich team ”.
“If I’m a Manchester United or Chelsea fan I’d be watching and walking, he doesn’t come close to the Bayern first team.”
“So if he’s not playing for his first team, why would we want him at our club? Is he going to make us better? Are there already players who should be better than him? In my opinion, yes.”
Merson must not have even seen Sabitzer play in the Bundesliga.
The 28-year-old has been one of the best midfielders in Europe for the past five years.
Plus, his skill set exactly matches the type of midfielder Ten Hag would want at United.
It’s not always about big-name signings. United have made that mistake in the past and suffered.
The club have backed the manager and struck a great deal on deadline day.
