Friday 2 December 2016 14:56, UK
Paul Merson has criticised Dimitri Payet’s recent displays for West Ham, saying that he owes the club for making him a superstar.
Payet was part of the Hammers side that were thrashed 4-1 by Manchester United on Wednesday and was at fault for the second goal when he lost the ball to Ander Herrera before Anthony Martial finished off a flowing move.
West Ham are languishing in 16th place in the Premier League and Payet has struggled to recapture his form of last season, where he turned into a cult hero for the West Ham fans.
Manager Slaven Bilic has played down reports linking Payet with a move away from east London, but Sky Sports pundit Merson thinks Payet needs to increase his work-rate to help his team climb the table.
"I was impressed with Manchester United in midweek, but it was against a poor West Ham team, who were virtually playing with 10-men - Dimitri Payet doesn't look interested - at all," Merson said.
"I would advise him to knuckle down and help get West Ham out of this relegation battle. He looks like someone that wants to be moving on his way. If it wasn't for West Ham nobody would have ever heard of Payet - he wouldn't even be playing for France."
West Ham spent £11m to bring Payet to the club in 2015 and Merson believes the player has a duty to repay that faith at a time where the club need him more than ever.
"He owes West Ham, who took a big chance on him and got him out of French football. West Ham made him a superstar," he said.
"He needs to make sure West Ham have a good season. Then, at the end of the season, he could get his move. He looks like he's putting himself first rather above West Ham Football Club.
"Look at him the other day when Ashley Fletcher scored at Old Trafford. He didn't look happy. He should start running around and winning points for the club."
