Paul Merson makes bonkers claim about Payet and Martial that had United fans LIVID

SOCCER Saturday stalwart Paul Merson is paid to give his opinion on the world of football – but it’s not what every fan wants to hear.

Posted Tuesday, January 03, 2017 by Dailystar.co.uk

The former Arsenal man was making the case to show host Jeff Stelling for West Ham to offload wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet, when he made a bizarre statement.

"I’d rather sell him [Payet] today for £30m and go and buy Martial for £20m,” Merse said to stunned silence in the studio.

"You wouldn’t get him for £20m,” Stelling replied after a pause.

"You’d get him for £30m?” the 48-year-old said, asking rather than telling.

Paul Merson makes bonkers claim about Payet and Martial that had United fans LIVID
Paul Merson angered United fans after valuing Martial at £10m less than Payet

Veteran presenter Stelling was left to explain to Merson that Seville had been linked with a loan move for the United forward, but a transfer was unlikely.

The young Frenchman arrived at Old Trafford in September 2015 for a reported £36m fee – rising to £58m with add-ons.

But he has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks after finding first-team football hard to come by.

However, manager Jose Mourinho insisted the former Monaco man’s future was with the Red Devils.

"He is a player with amazing conditions to be a top player," the Portuguese coach said following United’s win over Middlesbrough earlier this week.

"Martial played, he created, he scored. He fought. He was very positive. I know he is a top talent."

Paul Merson makes bonkers claim about Payet and Martial that had United fans LIVID
The former Arsenal man shocked the Soccer Saturday guests with his opinion

"Martial has to listen to me and not his agent. He has to listen to me in training every day and in every feedback I give to try and improve him.

"With Martial every day I read the newspaper, 'Anthony Martial goes to Sevilla, Anthony Martial goes on loan, Anthony Martial is not happy'. Anthony Martial has to listen to me."

United picked up three valuable points against West Ham earlier tonight to continue their fine league form in recent weeks.

Goals from Juan Mata and Zlatan Ibrahimovic sealed victory at the London Stadium after a controversial first-half red card for Hammers’ winger Sofiane Feghouli.