A number of Manchester United fans have called for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to make changes to his defence this weekend.
Some are calling for academy star Teden Mengi to start ahead of Harry Maguire, who has had a miserable start to the season made worse by his sending off for England on Wednesday night.
Rio Ferdinand has urged manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to give the centre-back a rest because he needs to be took away from the firing line, as per BBC Sport. It’s been a traumatic three months for Maguire after his controversial arrest in Greece while on holiday with family and friends.
But it’s not all Maguire’s fault. The team has endured a challenging start to the season, after shipping 11 goals in their opening three league matches.
United’s last game saw us get utterly embarrassed on the pitch for 90 minutes against Tottenham, losing 6-1 and a having a man (Anthony Martial) sent off.
Solskjaer has options to change his defence on Saturday.
Eric Bailly could partner Victor Lindelof, although I must admit that won’t fill anybody with confidence bar Newcastle. And these are all must win games for Solskjaer because the pressure will go up a notch if United drop points this weekend.
He could put faith in youth by giving Mengi a chance.
The 18-year-old made his debut in the Europa League last season against LASK and he looks a real unit at the back, with pace which we are lacking at the back.
Some United fans are calling for Mengi to start against Newcastle, while others feel it’s simply time to take Maguire out of the spotlight.
Give Mengi a start. Martial and Rashford got a chance at that age, but with defenders we seem to be more risk-averse. Give the lad a go, preferably alongside the calm head of Lindelof.
— Daniel Lewis (@DanLewis3264) October 15, 2020
Got to take Maguire out of the side for the next couple of games. The lad is struggling. Needs protecting. He needs a couple of weeks away from football. Yes United’s options at the back aren’t great. Get Mengi in the side. The lads a talent. Trust him.
— Matt Nuttall (@mattnutt7) October 15, 2020
How many times have lindelof and bailly played together? Not enough to make a good assessment. This is a great opportunity to give Tuanzebe some game time and Mengi is chomping at the bit!!
— martyn griffiths (@griffquay) October 15, 2020
Mengi
— Steven Marven (@smarven07) October 15, 2020
Yep, i could start me Nan and myself and probably wont be worse than the last game showing 🤷♂️😉
— Dazzlar (@dazzlar234rt) October 9, 2020
Nah you can’t just chuck him in to that situation. Not fair on the lad.
— Paul 👹 (@paul_haydon79) October 9, 2020
Read more: Solskjaer at a crossroads as BBC reporter claims United manager must start winning games
Mengi to start is a good one
Give Tuanzebe a chance, maybe play him along with Baily.