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Man Utd news: Two stars are not performing because of Mourinho transfer decision - Merson
MANCHESTER UNITED centre-backs Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof are not putting in 100 per cent because they know manager Jose Mourinho wanted to replace them in the summer.
That is the opinion of Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal forward Paul Merson.
Mourinho was desperate to bring in at least one new central defender in the transfer window.
However, a deal failed to materialise despite interest in the likes of Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld and Yerry Mina.
Manchester United were beaten 3-2 by Brighton last Sunday with Lindelof and Bailly struggling at the Amex.
They’re probably in the dressing room thinking ‘we’re only playing because there’s no one else here’
And Merson says it is no wonder they are not performing after Jose Mourinho made it clear he did not think they were good enough.
“You’ve got to remember, these lads are sitting in the dressing room and he’s begging for a centre-half," Merson said.
“So it tells you that he doesn’t think these are any good.
“So they’re not really going to go out are they and run around for him.
“Do you know what I mean? That’s the way I look at it.
“They’re probably in the dressing room thinking ‘we’re only playing because there’s no one else here’. Do you know what I mean?
“He’s been trying to chase every centre-half in the world.
“So them two are sitting in the dressing room, having a bath or whatever, and going ‘well I’m not playing’.
“You could drive a bus through that (defence).
“Their confidence is shot, it’s absolutely shot.”
Manchester United will look to bounce back from the loss to Brighton by beating Tottenham on Monday at Old Trafford.
Spurs have won their first two games of the season heading into the clash.
Mauricio Pochettino's side beat Newcastle on the opening day before a 3-1 win over promoted side Fulham.