Manchester United were not expecting to do any more business in the January window, but the injury of Christian Eriksen has forced their hand.
The Manchester Evening News understands that United are exploring a deal for Marcel Sabitzer on loan before the deadline at 11pm. The 28-year-old midfielder currently plays for Bayern Munich but reportedly desires more game time after falling down the pecking order.
The midfielder is seen as a hard worker and a leader, and his manager Julian Nagelsmann has praised the Austrian midfielder's passing ability in the past. He could be the perfect replacement for Eriksen in the short term.
ALSO READ: Why United can sign Marcel Sabitzer after German transfer window closes
However, former Arsenal player turned pundit Paul Merson has already taken aim at United's move before it has been completed - labeling it a 'panic' move and questioning Sabitzer's quality before he has even stepped foot in the league.
Merson told Sky Sports: "He doesn't get in the Bayern Munich team, as the manager just said. He's way off that. Their two in midfield is cemented but if he was that good, he'd be pushing. So again it goes back to panic. There was no interest in him on January 1st. Now, it's a panic buy.
"Eriksen has just got injured. It's a panic. You're buying fourth-choice Bayern Munich players. For me, I'm not sure about that. He doesn't get into the Bayern Munich team.
"If I'm a Manchester United fan or a Chelsea fan, I'd be looking and going, he doesn't get anywhere near Bayern's first team. So if he's not playing in their first team, why would we want him in our club? Is he going to make us better? Is there players there already who should be better than him? In my opinion, yes."
It seems Merson has completely missed the point that Eriksen's injury is what has forced United's hand and that's the reason they weren't in the market for Sabitzer before deadline day. Furthermore, given it is the final day of the window, the options that the club can aim for are limited.
Merson claimed Sabitzer 'doesn't get into the Bayern team', but the Austrian midfielder has appeared 24 times, totaling 1008 minutes for the German champions this season. It is not the ideal scenario for United, but Sabizter fits the profile of a player Erik ten Hag needs for the remainder of the season.
Related stories:
