Paul Merson defends Jose Mourinho about Man United transfers
The Arsenal legend defends Jose Mourinho over Manchester United's lack of signings in the summer transfer window
Paul Merson doesn’t believe Jose Mourinho is getting enough support from Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward in the transfer department.
The Red Devils signed three players in the 2018 summer transfer window despite having a 19-point deficit to make up on defending Premier League champions Manchester City.
Manchester United signed Brazil international Fred in a £52m deal from Ukrainian Premier League champions Shakhtar Donetsk to improve their options in the middle of the park.
The Red Devils have also signed Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot in a £17m deal from FC Porto, although the full-back is a signing with one eye on the future given his lack of experience.
Manchester United snapped up veteran England goalkeeper Lee Grant in a £1.5m deal from relegated Stoke City to provide cover for David De Gea and Sergio Romero.
Reports in the British media suggested that Manchester United wanted to sign a new centre-half and improve their options on the right wing but no further signings arrived at Old Trafford before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Former Arsenal star Merson admitted that he is confused about the current situation at Manchester United.
“They’ve not done anything,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“Fred didn’t play for Brazil, Lee Grant is going to be third choice goalkeeper and they’ve lost a great midfield player in Michael Carrick, Daley Blind’s gone – just nothing has happened.
“I don’t think Jose Mourinho’s outbursts are him, I think it’s at the Ed Woodward situation. I don’t think he’s helping the cause and he’s the one who has to get these deals over the line.
“When Sir Alex Ferguson was there, they got them over the line but when David Moyes went, he couldn’t get players over the line and in the end, he got Everton players because he knew them and could sign them.
“This is not Man United. There is something going on behind the scenes and I don’t think Woodward is helping Mourinho as much as we really think.”
Manchester United haven’t won the Premier League title since 2013.
The Red Devils failed to win a trophy in Mourinho’s second season in charge.
