Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has admitted that he is “really worried” for three Manchester United players in Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have endured a disappointing campaign under manager Erik ten Hag, who has faced mounting pressure over his side’s disappointing season.
The under-fire Ten Hag has faced intense criticism over the Red Devils’ lack of consistency in an up-and-down season at Old Trafford.
The United manager has seen his side crash out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion and fail to secure a place in the Premier League top four.
Ten Hag’s second season at Old Trafford has been filled with both high and low points, with the Dutchman still able to finish the campaign with major silverware.
The former Ajax boss has reached his second consecutive FA Cup final as United manager and Ten Hag’s men will face Manchester City at Wembley on 25th May.
Ten Hag came within touching distance of the FA Cup trophy last season, only for United to lose 2-1 to Manchester City in the final at Wembley in 2023.
Richards concerned for three Man Utd stars
Despite Manchester United’s underwhelming campaign at times, Erik ten Hag has been fortunate to see some redeeming factors at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo has had a breakout season under Ten Hag and the 19-year-old United midfielder has earned widespread praise for his performances.
Alejandro Garnacho, much like Kobbie Mainoo, has firmly established himself as a regular starter under Ten Hag and has shown moments of brilliance on the pitch.
Rasmus Hojlund was a major summer signing for Ten Hag and the United striker has impressed at times, despite facing criticism during his time at the Red Devils.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards admitted that he is concerned for the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo.
“You know what, I am really worried for the young players at Manchester United,” he said, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“When we were the young players coming through, we had those senior players who would guide you through.
“We have spoken about Mainoo and how good he is, but he is having to be the main man in the team at his age, and Garnacho is only 19 as well. Hojlund is only young as well.
“Of course, playing for Manchester United doesn’t matter about your age because if you are good enough you will play, we know that.
“They have no guidance, have they? I feel like it’s very difficult to sort of assess Manchester United without the full context.”
Richards on Man Utd injury crisis
Richards also sympathised with Ten Hag’s problems at United this season and how the Red Devils’ squad has been ravaged with injuries.
“When you have got [Victor] Lindelof, [Anthony] Martial, [Harry] Maguire, [Lisandro] Martinez, [Luke] Shaw, [Marcus] Rashford and [Mason] Mount out, it’s always going to be tough,” he added.
“I am going to have to agree with Alan [Shearer]. In terms of the worst team we have definitely seen over the years, I have to agree because they are not ready yet.
“They have not got the guidance they need and watching them and having to see young players having to consistently deal with off-field issues – is the manager going to be here? There is no long-term plan.
“We have spoken about the players and that thing, but I feel for the players because at the moment, it is making very good young, top players look very average and they are better than that.”