Micah Richards has named three Manchester United players who he’s ‘really worried’ about.
Manchester United fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal on Sunday and are at risk of missing out on Europe altogether this season.
The season has been an underwhelming one for Erik ten Hag but the Dutchman will have the opportunity to salvage something from it in this month’s FA Cup final.
One of the few positives for United has been the emergence of a few talented youngsters at Old Trafford this season.
Indeed, Kobbie Mainoo broke into the side back in November last year and hasn’t looked back since.
Alejandro Garnacho has also impressed off the left-hand side this season and despite a slow start for summer signing Rasmus Hojlund, he’s shown glimpses of his undoubted potential.
But Micah Richards has explained why he’s concerned for the Man United trio moving forward.
Richards ‘really worried’ about United youngsters
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Richards admitted he’s concerned for the likes of Garnacho, Hojlund and Mainoo due to a lack of leadership at United.
“I’m really worried for the young players of Man United. You know when we were young players coming through you had those senior pros, who would sort of guide you through but we have talked about Mainoo and how good he is but he is having to be the main man in the team at his age,” the former City defender said.
“Garnacho is only 19 as well. Hojlund is only young as well. Of course, playing for Man United it doesn’t matter your age really – if you are good enough you play. But they have got no guidance.
“It’s very difficult to assess Man United without full context. When you have Lindelof, Maguire, Martial, Fernandes, Martinez, Shaw, Rashford and Mount out it’s always going to be tough.
“Having to see young players having to consistently deal with off field, on field, is the manager going to be here? There’s no long-term plan. We have talked about owners and things, but I feel for the players because at the moment it’s making very good young, top players, look very average and they are better than that.”
READ MORE: Gary Neville names the two Man United players who impressed him despite Arsenal defeat
Hojlund, Garnacho and Mainoo are the future of United
Despite a below-par season for the Red Devils, the likes of Hojlund, Garnacho and Mainoo have displayed there could be a bright future ahead at Old Trafford.
After the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, there have already been significant changes behind the scenes.
Ten Hag’s future remains in doubt but whoever is in the dugout next season will surely be looking to build around these three players.
Yet, Richards makes a great point about the lack of leaders at United and it feels vital that the club address this issue over the summer.