Erik ten Hag told to give Man United star “a kick up the backside” by starting impressive youngster

Erik ten Hag has several important decisions to make following Manchester United’s poor start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

The Reds have three points after their opening two fixtures, winning 1-0 against Wolves and then losing 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur.

Andre Onana has perhaps been one of the only shining lights so far, despite almost giving away a last-minute penalty against Gary O’Neil’s side.

On the other hand, several United men have disappointed in the first games. The front three of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony failed to impress.

Antony in particular is a polarising figure amongst the fanbase. The £85 million signing from Ajax had a decent first season but will always have that price tag hanging over his head.

The Brazilian has been poor during the opening games and is continuing to make the same mistakes from last term.

Meanwhile, Facundo Pellistri is finally entering the fray of the first-team squad. He made his belated debut three years after signing in January this year and appeared from the bench against Spurs after a positive pre-season.

The 21-year-old was unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty in North London after he was tripped following a mazy run on the right flank.

Without a start for the club, Pellistri is still inexperienced for Premier League football and there is loan interest within England’s top flight for the winger.

However, former United defender Paul Parker has called for Erik ten Hag to provide the Uruguayan with the chance to start games, which could give Antony “a kick up the backside” when he’s no longer guaranteed the starting place in the team.

“Every time he comes on he makes you notice him,” Parker told mybettingsites. “He’s everything a manager would want from somebody on the bench.

“He warms up properly and he tries to make an impact by showing that energy and he did that against Spurs. He deserves a start to be honest.

“Sometimes you need to thank those players by giving them a start.

“Garnacho has shown that at this moment in time he’s an impact player and we need to find this out about Pellistri.

“He needs that opportunity because the player playing in front of him has been poor and shown inconsistency. No end product.

“It might give Antony a kick up the backside to see a young player come in and make him prove a point rather than taking his place for granted.”