Erik ten Hag must drop these three players in the next match if he really wants to progress in the Premier League this season – Paul Schols

Erik ten Hag must drop these three players in the next match if he really wants to progress in the Premier League this season – Paul Schols

Erik ten Hag is already under pressure at Manchester United just three games into the new Premier League season,according to Daily Express.

 

 

Following a dismal 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, the Dutch manager is expected to make several changes ahead of their upcoming match against Southampton.

 

One key change could see the return of Luke Shaw, who has been sidelined with a calf injury.

 

Although Shaw is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes, his inclusion would add much-needed balance to United’s defense.

 

 

Diogo Dalot, a right-footed player who has been filling in at left-back, has struggled to maintain that balance.

 

His performance against Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah highlighted United’s vulnerability in that position.

 

At right-back, Noussair Mazraoui is expected to keep his place, meaning Dalot may be dropped for the Southampton match.

 

 

 

However, Ten Hag’s changes may not stop with the defense. Midfielder Casemiro, who had a poor game against Liverpool, could also be benched.

 

 

His errors directly contributed to Liverpool’s first two goals, raising questions about his future at the club. If United had managed to sign Manuel Ugarte earlier in the transfer window, there might have been opportunities to offload Casemiro amid interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.

 

Ugarte, who played for Uruguay earlier this week, is expected to be available and may start alongside Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. His debut could bring fresh energy to a team struggling with consistency.

 

Marcus Rashford, another underperforming star, might also be dropped. The forward has been inconsistent since his impressive 30-goal season under Ten Hag.

 

A spell on the bench could help him regain his form, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo have been strong in wide positions, showing promise for United’s attack.

 

 

Manchester United have been dealing with a left-back dilemma for some time now, as Erik ten Hag has been aiding without Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia throughout the past season. The Dutch coach has been playing with a make-do left-back in the ongoing campaign as well, and at some point the officials at Carrington will need to address this issue.

 

Manchester Reds are reportedly keen on ensuring that this is resolved with an incoming in the winter window as they are subject to links with a move for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, per Give Me Sport.

 

United eyeing Bournemouth’s Kerkez to address left-back crisis

 

United are looking at multiple full-backs including Kerkez and Robinson.

Kerkez has been one of the most influential players in his position in the Premier League and has been subject to high reputations since his move to England in 2023. The Hungarian international made 33 appearances in all competitions in his full debut season at Vitality Stadium. He has been putting in impressive shifts in the left-back role with his current employers, and that has attracted interests from some of the biggest names in the country.

 

Kerkez has been eyeing a move to multiple clubs from the League’s traditional big six, including Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who explored possibilities to land the 20-year-old full back. Tottenham Hotspur is also considered a potential destination for Kerkez alongside Old Trafford.

 

United are looking for a long-term solution to the left-back crisis, and they have been looking at multiple players from the Premier League. Alongside Kerkez, Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson is also someone that peaks the club’s interest.

 

Kerkez’s style could mirror Luke Shaw’s

For Kerez, he would love an opportunity to move to an elite side in Ubited and have the potential to compete at the top of the table. And United does have the financial muscle to pull off a £42 million transfer to bring the Hungary defender to Old Trafford. That being said, we will have to see if the club decides to invest such an amount in Kerez, especially in the winter transfer window.

 

Kerkez is a lot like Luke Shaw in his abilities to drift forward and play along the flank while having the capacity to push back in the defensive zone when needed.

 

 

The question remains if the manager wants to move towards an inverted player or keep with a road-running full-back that can directly contribute offensively.

 

Would you take Milos Kerkez at Old Trafford this winter?