Paul Merson has admitted if he was Mason Holgate he would have preferred to move to a top Championship side over Sheffield United, but does think being at the Blades could improve the defender.
Holgate ended his loan from Everton at Southampton on deadline day to complete a loan switch to Sheffield United.
Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United are looking for Holgate to help boost their defence as they battle against relegation from the Premier League.
Giving his opinion on the move, Merson insisted that for Holgate to be with Southampton, a team fighting for promotion would have been a better option.
However, he understands the move to Sheffield United, while stressing that Everton let it happen because they do not see the Blades as a threat.
Merson said on Sky Sports News: “If Sheffield United finish above Everton – let’s be honest – then of course they deserve to go down.
“I don’t think it looks like being a threat to them, no disrespect.
“If I was Mason Holgate, I would rather go to one of the top four in Championship and being in a winning team, and having a chance of going up.
“Being at Sheffield United, it’ll help him become a better defender as he’ll be doing it a lot more.”
Holgate managed just five Championship appearances for Southampton during his stay at the club and a move elsewhere was on the agenda for the winter window as he seeks regular game time.
