Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has urged Erik ten Hag to drop Jadon Sancho from his starting line-up for Manchester United's clash with Tottenham.
Sancho has started five of United's last six games, but has produced just one assist during that time. The England international has struggled badly since arriving at Old Trafford last summer from Borussia Dortmund.
He appeared to have turned a corner at the start of Ten Hag's reign, but has quickly seen his performances take a downturn. And Merson believes that the time is now right for Sancho to be dropped from the starting line-up, ahead of the huge clash with Spurs on Wednesday.
"This is a hard game to call. Manchester United had a couple of good chances last week, and I don't think Newcastle picked the right pass at times. I think Cristiano Ronaldo will play this game. I only say that because I know that Tottenham will play everybody behind the ball," Merson told Sports Keeda.
"Manchester United will need to put balls into the box, and Ronaldo is the best header of the ball in the world. I'd leave Jadon Sancho out this week and play Ronaldo, Rashford, and Antony up front. If United don't win this game, they take a draw and a defeat on their trip away to Chelsea.
"They're facing two of the top four in their next two Premier League games, and it's a massive week for them. Liverpool could go bang-bang-bang for their nine points, and United could find themselves behind Liverpool by the end of the week."
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Merson also believes that this is already a "must-win" game for United, who have a trip to Chelsea awaiting on Saturday. He warned Ten Hag that Spurs will look to play for a draw at Old Trafford, potentially adding to the need to refresh his attack.
"The games keep coming thick and fast in the Premier League, and we're all set to witness a round of midweek fixtures this week. People don't remember weeks like this at the end of the season," Merson added.
"But these are the weeks that make a lot of difference. Midweek games are massive. If you get no points, your season can turn upside down in a week. The past week shook up the Premier League table, and the narratives have kept changing this season.
"This is a big week for everybody. Manchester United have the hardest set of games out of everybody this week. This is a must-win game for Manchester United, and I don't think that is the case for Tottenham.
"Antonio Conte will want to make sure his team doesn't lose this match, and he'll be the happier of the two managers with a draw. Tottenham will make sure they don't lose this match."
United currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, three points behind Chelsea who occupy the final Champions League qualification place. They have Newcastle, Brighton and Liverpool breathing down their necks and will want to avoid slipping back.
