Former Barcelona and Manchester United defender Gerard Pique has advised Erik ten Hag to put his trust in youth players.
Whenever I think back to Pique’s time at Manchester United, I recall an incredibly talented young centre-back who came to the club at the wrong time (2004-2008) because it was during that time that we witnessed Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic form the best centre-back pairing in Europe.
It’s important to remember that Ferguson had his eye on another talented defender in Jonny Evans, who was coming through the ranks and knocking on the door for opportunities in the first team.
The former Spain international (102 caps) is regarded as one of the best centre-backs of all-time given his immense success at Barca, where he won 30 trophies and made 667 club appearances.
Pique’s two former clubs have endured difficult seasons domestically. While Barcelona find themselves eight points adrift of rivals Real Madrid in La Liga, they have reached the Champions League quarter-finals which gives some hope for the remainder of the season.
The only chance United have of winning silverware is the FA Cup. We are also in the race for a top four (five?) finish with the main objective being Champions League qualification.
Reflecting on his two former clubs, Pique told Sky Sports: “The difference with Barcelona is that this period of transition at Manchester United has been going on now for quite a long period of time.
“It’s been quite a few years that they’ve not been able to win the title. I think that after Sir Alex left, they lost a little bit their focus and guidance.
“They didn’t know where to go. Little by little, they are trying to put everything back together in order to compete for titles.
“I still believe Ten Hag is a very good coach. I don’t really know if he will be able to turn things around but the win against Liverpool [in the FA Cup] was incredible.
“It’s the sort of victory that will give them power for the rest of the season. Then, I would say they need to trust more in the people coming through from the academy.
“It happens when you are suffering as a club. It was the same at Barcelona, but you have to trust in the academy players. We saw Sir Alex Ferguson show this with the Class of ’92 and they have to trust in the next generation in the same way.
“In the last few years, they’ve spent a lot of money, and it hasn’t worked out. So why not try to give the new, young generation the chance to at least try and perform.”
When you look at the United team right now, our best performers in attack have been young players. I’m clearly talking about Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – but let’s not forget this season’s breakthrough start Kobbie Mainoo, who earned his first call-up to the senior England squad this week. Ten Hag is responsible for bringing all three players into the team and some critics have been quick to forget that.
Since Pique announced his retirement as a footballer in November 2022, he has led the growth of the Kings League, a seven-a-side tournament played with 20 minute halves, no draws and unlimited substitutions.
Games are steamed live via TikTok, Twitch and YouTube.
In other words, when football meets TikTok. *Shudders*
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