Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has suggested that Reds midfielders Scott McTominay and Fred must step up in the club's next few matches.
The pair have both fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the summer arrivals of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro - both of whom have been impressive since joining the club. However, Eriksen is out injured until late April and Casemiro will miss the next three games after being sent off in the win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
McTominay will not feature in the upcoming clash with Leeds United after picking up a minor injury, but Fred is almost certain to start alongside deadline day signing Marcel Sabitzer. They are currently the Reds' only senior central midfielders available for selection.
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United will play four times over the next 12 days - with Erik ten Hag's side coming up against Leeds twice and Leicester City in the Premier League, while also clashing with Barcelona in the Europa League. Although McTominay is out injured, Yorke has suggested that he and Fred must deliver in the coming weeks.
"It’s harsh on his [Casemiro’s] teammates because we all know what he brings to the table, and they’re a much better side with him involved," he told Ladbrokes: Fanzone. "It’ll be a massive loss for them, but this is where the top teams are tested; you need players to come in and do the job while he’s out.
"For the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred, their job right now is simple: they’ve got to stand up now and earn their money. You’ve got to come in when the team needs you. Erik ten Hag needs to pull those players aside and just stress how much he needs them in Casemiro’s absence. That’s where you get team unity when the boys sitting on the bench can come in and do a job. Help the team.
"These fringe players have to stand up… it’s why you have such big squads. You can’t rely on one player all season. There has to be depth in quality, otherwise what are you getting paid for? I hope the players recognise that and I hope Ten Hag can trust his players. This is their moment. He needs them now."
Fred has made 29 appearances in all competitions for United so far this season, scoring four times. McTominay, meanwhile, has featured on 24 occasions - grabbing two goals and an assist.
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