Erik ten Hag accused of targeting ‘Primark players’ for Manchester United

United eventually pulled out of the move to sign Arnanutovic after the uproar from fans. 

Merson said: “United should be shopping in Harrods, not Primark for players like Marko Arnautovic. 

“I’m not surprised the fans kicked up a fuss about that and got the club to think again because Arnautovic is not good enough for United.

“I don't know what is going on at Old Trafford but they are making the same old mistakes time and time again in the transfer market. 

“The fans must be thinking: "What is going on here?" and you can't really blame them. If United want to get back in the top four, they have to find better players than Arnautovic. There probably aren't many teams in the bottom half of the table who would sign him, let alone the top half.” 

Merson then spoke about United’s fast fading status as one of the biggest clubs in world football. 

He added: “United should be shopping for luxury goods but they are down the other end of the high street at the moment and that shouldn't happen. 

“They are losing that aura they used to have and the longer it goes on the harder it is to get that back. United were the biggest club in the world but they are starting to slip from that position now. 

“It could be a long time before they win the title again because they are a million miles behind Manchester City and Liverpool.” 

The Sky Sports pundit then questioned the team’s set up after their opening day defeat against Brighton. 

Merson continued: "They got beaten at home by Brighton and it was the same old story. You have to dominate midfield if you want to win football matches. 

“But Scott McTominay and Fred aren't dominating anyone. I'm not being horrible but would Frank Lampard take those two them at Everton? I doubt it.” 

United are back in action on Saturday evening as they take on Thomas Frank’s Brentford side.