Former Arsenal winger Paul Merson has cast doubt over new signing Victor Lindelof and Jose Mourinho’s decision to re-sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United.

Lindelof became Mourinho’s first signing of the transfer window back in June, signing for £31m, but has failed to impress during the nascent stages of his Old Trafford career so far.

Zlatan, meanwhile, recently agreed a new one year deal with the club after progressing well in his rehabilitation process and could return in time for a busy December schedule.

But Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, was far from convinced by Mourinho’s decision to introduce the two Swedes over the summer.

“I’m not convinced by Victor Lindelof at all,” he said.

“But Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic are very, very good signings and that’s why I’m giving them such a high grade. They are two players that they needed and they will make a massive difference to that team.

“They look like a completely different team with those two players in it and they could be the players to win the Premier League for them. I must admit I’m not convinced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic coming back.

“They are a completely different outfit this season with pace and power up front and I don’t see how he will fit in.”

We should always remember that Merson is considered so substandard as a pundit, so laughable, that he has literally become a meme. He thought Gareth Barry would have been the solution to Arsenal’s problems. It’s almost like he isn’t even trying anymore.

As for Lindelof and Zlatan, the former will, in time, adjust to the pace of English football. Criticising him now makes absolutely no sense. And the latter really needs no explanation. Mourinho will not sacrifice his tactical approach to accommodate the Swede, but rather use him as a lethal, decisive trump card during the latter stages of the season.