Paul Merson slams Man Utd decision to buy Van de Beek

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has branded Manchester United’s decision to splash out £40million on Donny van de Beek as a ‘panic buy.’

Manchester United spent £40million to convince Ajax to renounce the highly-rated Van de Beek earlier this week.

Before snapping up the 23-year-old midfielder, United had endured a frustrating transfer window.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has yet to land his top-target Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

The Norwegian’s efforts to add a mercurial forward to his attacking ranks have fallen on Dortmund’s deaf ears.

Moreover, his search for a reliable defensive partner for Harry Maguire has yet to bear any fruit.

Forced to watch Chelsea heavily reinforcing their squad, the Red Devils have sealed their first big-money move this summer in the shape of Van de Beek.

However, Merson believes United were already well-stocked in the midfield before luring the Dutchman to Old Trafford.

Indeed, the 52-year-old is of the opinion Manchester United only brought Van de Beek to silence the frustrated supporters.

“Donny van de Beek looks like a panic buy at Manchester United. I don’t get it,” he said, as transmitted by the Daily Mail.

“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?”

Van de Beek, who came close to joining Real Madrid last summer, has emerged as one of the brightest young midfielders in Europe.

Having gone through the ranks at Ajax, the box-to-box midfielder racked up 41 goals in 175 appearances before leaving the club for good this week.