“He’s got some big calls to make” - Owen Hargreaves insists Ten Hag must drop 25-year-old Manchester United star for Aston Villa clash

Former Premier League midfielder Owen Hargreaves has urged Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to drop central defender Matthijs de Ligt for the side's clash against Aston Villa on Sunday, October 6. The ex-Red Devils man suggested that the Dutchman's poor form means he should be replaced by Harry Maguire in the starting lineup.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Hargreaves said (via The Mirror):

"Harry will play at the weekend against Villa. I think he'll have to," said Hargreaves. "De Ligt struggled today, Samu (Omorodion, who scored twice for Porto) is a super explosive and powerful player, but Ollie Watkins, Jhon Duran... that's not going to get any easier. So he's got some big calls to make."

The 43-year-old also took aim at United's defending as whole.

"There was a lot going on. There were so many holes defensively," he said. "Manchester United didn't stop any crosses, and then to go 3-2 down after being 2-0 up was ridiculous. The middle part of the game was crazy. That's what it's been like for a couple of years."

Manchester United's defensive woes continued as they conceded three goals against FC Porto away from home in the Europa League on Thursday, October 3. They have done so 24 times since Ten Hag's appointment in 2022, the most of any Premier League team in that span.

De Ligt was one of the biggest culprits on the night, unable to deal with the Porto attack and especially their striker Samu Omorodion. He has found it difficult to adjust to the pace and power of English football and a break may serve him well.

With just two wins from six league games this season, Manchester United find themselves in 13th position on the table and will hope to get back to winning ways against Villa.

Erik ten Hag preaches patience as Manchester United salvage late draw against Porto

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has suggested that his side should be judged only at the end of the season and not on current form. Speaking to the press after the 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League, he said (via TNT Sports):

"We will get there. Don't judge us in this moment, judge us at the end of the season."

"We are in the process, we will improve. We have had two seasons where we have reached finals, we will continue and fight."

A great start almost turned into a nightmarish evening as Porto came back from 2-0 down to make it 3-2. However, Harry Maguire came off the bench to score a stoppage-time equalizer.

The result means Manchester United have collected just two points from their first two fixtures in the Europa League. They will hope to pick up their first win in the tournament when they face Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce on October 24.