Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has labelled Manchester United’s move for Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer a “panic buy”.
Manchester United have been forced into action on deadline day following confirmation of Christian Eriksen’s long-term injury.
The club has confirmed that Eriksen is likely to be out until the end of April, after sustaining a serious ankle injury during United’s FA Cup win over Reading at the weekend.
Erik ten Hag’s side have identified Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer as a potential short-term replacement for the Dane in midfield.
According to reports, the Red Devils have made late enquiries to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford on loan.
The Austrian is said to be “more than happy” to join the club, and ten Hag’s project.
Marcel Sabitzer has told Manchester United through his agents that he’d be more than happy to join the club and Erik ten Hag’s project. 🔴🇦🇹 #MUFC
Bayern and Man Utd, in contact to discuss terms of the deal with just 9 hours left.
Sabitzer didn’t train today. pic.twitter.com/8FK3oAFkGY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2023
Sabitzer has featured in 15 Bundesliga matches for Bayern this term, finding the back of the net once, and providing one assist.
One person who isn’t impressed at the prospect of United signing Sabitzer however, is former England international Paul Merson.
“He doesn’t get in the Bayern Munich team, as the manager just said, he’s way off that. I know their two in midfield is cemented but if he was that good, he’d be pushing.” Merson said on Sky Sports.
“So again it goes back to panic. There was no interest in him on January 1st. Now, it’s a panic buy. Eriksen has just got injured. It’s a panic. You’re buying fourth choice Bayern Munich players. For me, I’m not sure about that.
“This lad wasn’t on the radar before,” the former Arsenal man said.
“He doesn’t get into the Bayern Munich team. If I’m a Manchester United fan or a Chelsea fan, I’d be looking and going, he doesn’t get anywhere near Bayern’s first team. So if he’s not playing in their first team, why would we want him in our club?”
He continued: “Is he going to make us better? Is there players there already who should be better than him? In my opinion, yes.”
🗣 "He doesn't get in the Bayern Munich team. It's a panic." ❌
Paul Merson is not convinced by Manchester United and Chelsea's pursuit of Marcel Sabitzer pic.twitter.com/5ICZTX9Geq
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 31, 2023
Without Eriksen, Sabitzer’s arrival would be more than welcomed at Old Trafford, where Manchester United will aim to keep their place in the top four.
United are currently priced at 2/7 to finish in the top four on Premier League betting sites.
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