Erik ten Hag’s position as Man Utd boss has come under scrutiny this season. Robbie Savage believes that academy players are the ones saving Man United’s season. According to Savage, four particular young players are keeping Erik ten Hag in his job.
The Red Devils are currently sixth in the Premier League table, eight points away from the Champions League places. Two goals from 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho sealed West Ham’s fate in a 3-0 win for United on Sunday, while fellow academy player Kobbie Mainoo scored a dramatic late winner away at Wolves three days prior. Moreover, Garnacho joins Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford in United’s top three goalscorers for this season, both of whom are also academy graduates.
Despite earlier calls for Ten Hag to be sacked, a strong run of form from the club’s young players has seen them to four wins in their last six games. Savage pointed out that Man United may finish in the top seven this season, crediting it to the contributions of young academy players. He emphasized the importance of playing these players and expressed confidence that they would repay Ten Hag for giving them the opportunity.
He also noted the significant impact of Luke Shaw’s return and the team’s improved performance in controlling games in midfield. Rasmus Hojlund, another player mentioned by Savage, has been instrumental in Man United’s change in form with goals in four of his last five games. However, finishing seventh would be disappointing for the club’s fans after a strong third-place finish last year and would account for the Red Devils’ worst Premier League placement in a decade.