TalkSport’s Alex Crook recently claimed he believes Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag should send a statement to the squad in their next game, which could involve starting academy prospects and the likes of Anthony Martial.
The Red Devils have started embarrassingly badly so far, losing their first game of the season 2-1 to Brighton before being dominated by Brentford in a 4-0 drubbing, which leaves them sitting at the bottom of the table heading into the weekend.
Things do not get easier for the Manchester outfit as they face bitter rivals Liverpool next, and Crook believes manager Ten Hag should look to shake things up and make a statement rather than starting the same team that lost the opening two games.
Crook told TalkSport: “I think the most damning thing for me last weekend was that after losing to Brighton, 10 of the 11 started at the Brentford Community Stadium. I know the squad isn’t that deep, you’ll tell me that.
“Anthony Martial, I think he’s back in training, so possibly he could come in, but I think Erik ten Hag needs to send out a statement if that means blooding some youngsters, go for it.”
TIF Thoughts on Crook’s comments…
There is no doubt United have been beyond poor so far this season, but with them set to face one of the best teams in world football, let alone in England, it does not feel like the best time to bring in untested youngsters, no matter how bad their starters have been.
It would make sense for Ten Hag to make some changes, especially seeing as Martial is back and was impressive in the preseason, but this team did manage to bag four goals against the Reds in their pre-season game.
While Liverpool started a weaker side, we have seen that United can compete with them, and considering the side’s desperation to get their first point under their belt there is no reason why they could not take Liverpool by surprise with their starting team.
Something has to be done at Old Trafford, but against Liverpool, it does not feel like the right and sensible time, you do not want to destroy their youngster’s confidence by setting them up for a potential battering.
Is the Liverpool game the best game to send a statement?Yes
No
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