Man United have a number of internationals who appear set to travel to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup later this year.
The Red Devils boast England internationals including Harry Maguire, who has not played in the Premier League since his crushing defeat by Brentford.
And Merson reckons Gareth Southgate is in a “real predicament” for his England squad for the World Cup.
“Gareth Southgate is in a real bind, isn’t he? He has great players that he trusts who can’t get into his team,” he said.
“It’s fine at the moment and he can get away with it today because there’s two months to go before the World Cup. But in November, when Harry Maguire only plays Europa League football, how do you play it in Qatar?”
“That’s the problem with Gareth, he’s very loyal. The reason he picked Maguire in this England squad along with Luke Shaw is because they actually have a few games to play – and they will play against Italy and Germany.”
Merson went on to claim that Luke Shaw shouldn’t go to the World Cup, citing his lack of playing time at Man United.
“However, I don’t see Shaw making it to the World Cup. He has to play football constantly every week and that doesn’t happen,” he added.
“I don’t see him coming in for Qatar, especially considering the number of full-backs we have. It’s a position we’re blessed with.”
“Why do you need him? You have Kyle Walker, Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell and Kieran Trippier. You take five full-backs without Shaw!”
Merson likes Rashford’s chances of making it into Southgate’s World Cup squad but isn’t convinced by Jadon Sancho.
He said: “I think Marcus Rashford should feel hurt. If he wasn’t injured I think he would have made it into this squad and I think he will make it into the final 26-man World Cup squad if he keeps doing what he’s doing.
“It depends on what Ivan Toney does in the two Nations League games this month. I think the Brentford man has a chance otherwise there’s no point him being in the September squad.
“I don’t think anyone will get into the English league before the World Cup. Not too many English footballers are playing well at the moment. Roy Keane hit it on the head when he said ‘if you don’t play.’ you’re not very good for your country.”
On Sancho, the 54-year-old added: “I can’t think of anyone who isn’t playing for England right now who is good, there aren’t many players out there anymore.
“People talk to me about Jadon Sancho but he has scored two Premier League goals and not had any assists. He doesn’t tear it up and although he scored a good goal against Liverpool he’s in line with a lot of players in that position.”
The Three Lions meet Italy and Germany in the Nations League games during the international break.
