‘When he’s at his best…’: Richards labelled ‘generous’ after revealing which Utd quartet get into top-six sides

It’s a sorry state of affairs when, after forking out over £600 million on signings during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, numerous Manchester United players are still deemed unfit to play for other top-six sides.

Even more so when, in Micah Richard’s eyes, two of his four picks are academy graduates – only further highlighting just how dire some acquisitions have been in the past two-and-a-half years. 

The side were completely played off the park by Tottenham Hotspur last night as they were embarrassed 3-0 on their home turf to sustain a third defeat of the campaign after six matches played.

To nobody’s surprise this morning, reports have begun doing the rounds regarding the mounting pressure on Ten Hag’s shoulders, with some claiming he has until the international break to implement a drastic U-turn in performances – or risk getting the sack just two months into the term.

Read more: Chelsea seemingly try to rub salt in United’s wounds with post-Spurs dig; Jadon Sancho reacts

Against the North London outfit, none of Ten Hag’s men were able to step up to the challenge and make an impact. However, Richards believes there are four Reds who would flourish outside of the current United setup.

Richards cherry-picks United quartet for praise

When pressed on the matter by Alan Shearer on Monday’s instalment of The Rest Is Football, he responded: “[Kobbie] Mainoo gets into a top six side, definitely. [Bruno] Fernandes as well, Fernandes when he’s on it. [Marcus] Rashford when he’s at his best, and [Lisandro] Martinez, as well.

“Obviously, he’s been inconsistent with injuries and all that sort of thing. But that would be it.”

Shearer reacted by deeming the ex-Manchester City man’s selection as ‘generous’.