‘Hasn’t seen him play’ - Man Utd legend skewers Paul Merson after pundit's Sabitzer comments

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand hit out at Paul Merson over the former Arsenal star's criticism of Marcel Sabitzer.

United manager Erik ten Hag was forced to make a late foray into the market on transfer Deadline Day after Christian Eriksen was ruled out for at least three month with an ankle injury.

In turn the Old Trafford club signed Bayern Munich's Sabitzer on loan until the end of the season.

"Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions," Sabitzer said.

"From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me. I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season," he added.

"I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad. I'm excited to start with my new team-mates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans."

However the Austrian international’s arrival has triggered a mixed response from fans and pundits.

Paul Merson on Sabitzer

Merson question Sabitzer’s credentials, despite the 28-year-old having spent six productive years at RB Leipzig before joining Bayern.

The pundit told Sky Sports: “He doesn’t get in the Bayern Munich team, he’s way off that. I know the two in midfield are cemented but if he was that good, he’d be pushing.

“Again it goes back to panic. There was no interest in him on January 1, now it’s a panic, Eriksen’s just got injured and it’s a panic and you’re bringing fourth rate Bayern Munich players in. For me, I’m not sure about that.

“This lad wasn’t on the radar before, he doesn’t get in the Bayern Munich team. If I’m a Manchester United fan I’d be looking and thinking he’s not in their first team so why would we want him in our team. Are there players there already who are better than him?”

Ferdinand hits out at Merson

Ferdinand dismissed Merson criticism of Sabitzer and insisted that the pundit had likely not seen the midfielder play.

Ferdinand said on the FIVE YouTube channel: “I am absolutely delighted with it. If I was trying to get a short-term replacement for Eriksen at the drop of a hat, Sabitzer is the player I would get.

“I watched a hell of a lot of this player when he was at RB Leipzig and he was sensational. He was integral to everything they did.

“Yes he’s gone to Bayern and hasn’t tore it up there or become a regular but the players he’s behind are big, household names.

“He will be a really good signing for Man United. He’s an experienced player who has played in big games, Champions League games.

“For me, those comments [from Paul Merson] stink of someone who hasn’t seen him play and who wouldn’t know who he is or if he’s left or right-footed because you can’t say it’s a bad signing.

“This guys knows how to play football. You don’t get signed by Bayern Munich if you’re a chump. He’s a really, really good footballer. Manchester United couldn’t have done any better, I don’t think.”