Paul Merson says he is ‘still’ baffled by a questionable Manchester United transfer decision.
Despite their crippling issues all over the pitch, United still agreed more outgoings than incomings during the January transfer window.
Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia were all sent out on loan, with just Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven brought in to bolster Ruben Amorim’s struggling squad.
The January window has certainly not led to an upturn in performances from the Red Devils, who have only won two of their seven games since the window closed.
Given Manchester United’s problems, Merson says he ‘still don’t get’ why Amorim would agree to weaken his squad further by offloading Rashford.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season after falling out with Amorim and barely featuring under the Portuguese boss.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to his spell at Villa Park, making two assists in five league appearances, of which four have come from the bench.
There is no obligation for Aston Villa to sign Rashford on a permanent transfer but Unai Emery has been full of praise for the England international, who looks unlikely to revive his United career under Amorim.
‘Marcus Rashford is doing alright, better than I thought he would do,’ Merson told Sky Sports.
‘He would get in Manchester United’s team every day of the week so I still don’t get it.’
Aston Villa boosted their top-four hopes with a narrow 1-0 win over Brentford on Saturday.
Rashford’s parent club Manchester United return to action on Sunday afternoon against Arsenal.
Revealing his prediction for the Old Trafford clash, Merson told Sportskeeda: ‘If we were talking about this fixture 10 years ago, what a game. But still from a fans’ perspective, this is still one of the biggest games in English football.
‘I worry for Manchester United if I’m being honest. I can’t imagine them blowing Real Sociedad away in the Europa League and then quickly shifting full focus to this game.
‘I’d be shocked if Arsenal don’t win. Their qualification to the Champions League quarter-final is sealed thanks to the 7-1 first leg win and they can now have a real go here. That makes this a dangerous game for United.
‘Arsenal have to keep winning every single game from now on and hope Liverpool slip up.
‘Historically, Manchester United have always turned up for games against Arsenal. But honestly, I don’t see them doing it this weekend!’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Chelsea prepare ‘game-changing’ transfer bid for Arsenal and Man Utd target
MORE: Arsenal duo tipped to ‘impress’ Thomas Tuchel ahead of England squad reveal
MORE: Millwall fans sing vile new chant about Jean-Philippe Mateta
