Paul Merson does not believe that Manchester United should have let Marcus Rashford leave but he has suggested a possible replacement who could make Ruben Amorim’s side much better.
Rashford exited Old Trafford late on Sunday night when he joined Premier League rivals Aston Villa, initially on loan until the end of the season.
The 27-year-old, who could make his move a permanent one in the summer if Villa opt to pay a £40million transfer fee, had not played for United since December 12 after falling out with Amorim.
On the day Rashford left, United lost 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace – Amorim’s eighth defeat in his first 19 games in the job. Both of Palace’s goals were scored by French forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Former Arsenal star Merson praised Mateta after the game, but he was critical of Amorim and claimed that the Portuguese boss could be made to look very silly if Rashford shines at Villa Park.
‘I think the manager is running out of ideas,’ said Merson on Sky Sports. ‘What he has done with Rashford is mind-blowing.
Ruben Amorim has lost eight of his first 19 games as Manchester United boss, drawing three
United lost 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring twice
Paul Merson criticised Amorim, while he also claimed that United should try to sign Mateta
‘I think his job is on the line with Rashford. If he gets 10 [goals] in 10 [games for Villa] you would be seriously asking questions, “what are you doing?”
‘United need a big strong lad up front. They should go and get Mateta. But they won’t because he plays for Palace.
‘He is 100 times better than what they have at Man United, apart from [Amad] Diallo.’
Mateta has been a Palace player since January 2021 when he arrived from Mainz in Germany.
He has since scored 39 goals in 118 appearances for the Eagles, including 32 in 103 Premier League games.
Palace paid around £15m for Mateta, including an initial loan fee in the region of £2.5m before they completed a permanent deal.
He is currently under contract with Palace until June 2027.
Sunday’s result at Old Trafford saw Palace climb above United in the Premier League table.
