Pundit Paul Merson managed to write off Marcel Sabitzer this week before he has even kicked a ball for Manchester United.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Merson branded Sabitzer a ‘fourth rate’ player, for not establishing himself as a starter for Bayern Munich.
Rio Ferdinand hit out at these comments, while Merson has doubled down on them in a column for SportsKeeda.
Merson said: “They have brought Marcel Sabitzer in on loan from Bayern Munich, but is he what they really wanted? He wasn’t on the radar in the first place, and it looks like a panic buy.”
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Merson gets it wrong again
These comments were contradicted by director of football John Murtough, who told the club website, that Sabitzer had been on the club’s radar already.
Murtough said: “Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time.”
Manager Erik ten Hag added that he also was well aware of the player, commenting: “I know the player already a long time from [RB] Salzburg. Especially from [RB] Leipzig. He performed fantastically, so I expect that he will do the same here.”
Merson then, conclusively wrong with his sweeping statement. Shocker.
Merson on United v Palace
The former Arsenal midfielder believes United could drop points at home to Crystal Palace this weekend.
He said: “I think Manchester United are going to win this game, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they dropped points against Palace.”
United have won 12 games in a row at Old Trafford, and Erik ten Hag will be determined his side pick up all three points, in the first league home game since the Manchester derby.