Manchester United should have prioritized a defensive name over the signing of Donny van de Beek, says Paul Merson.
Donny van de Beek completed a move this week to become United’s first signing of the summer.
The Dutchman is expected to bring quality into the Red Devils’ midfield as well as proper depth when needed.
Before Van de Beek, United were all out for another attacking name in Jadon Sancho.
Borussia Dortmund played hardball all through and eventually pulled the plug on negotiations.
As earlier said, the midfielder boasts enough quality but the question is just how much was he needed?
The 23-year-old has a similar profile to Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes who already star in midfield for Ole Solskjaer.
Pundit Paul Merson says the Red Devils have misplaced priorities and should have signed a centre-back instead.
“He looks like a panic buy at Manchester United,” Merson exclusively told Starsport.
“I don’t get it. They just spent £40m on a position where they are already strong.
“And how does he play with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes?
“You have to have someone who can play the holding role.
“That signing looked to me like: ‘Oh we haven’t bought anyone yet, let’s go and buy someone, who can we get?”
“When you look at their midfield, Fred was improving, and they’ve got Scott McTominay. Now they won’t get a game.”
“And they just gave Nemanja Matic a new contract. Would they have done that if they knew they were getting Van de Beek?”
“It makes no sense to me. Who is making these decisions?”
“It’s like them going for Jadon Sancho. If they sign Sancho, Greenwood doesn’t play. For me they need another centre back.”
Ex-United star Micky Gray also shares the same thoughts on Van de Beek’s arrival at Old Trafford.
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