Former Manchester United right-back Paul Parker has given his thoughts on the current midfield and right-back options at the club.
Speaking to My Betting Sites, Parker expressed the view that United’s Casemiro will eventually become the first choice in Ten Hag’s midfield three, alongside Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.
“I think if you’re going to play Casemiro and you want to get the best out of him, you have to do it with Eriksen and Fernandes,” Parker said.
This would mean the fit Scott McTominay would lose his first team place and Parker believes the team improves significantly without him, citing the Scotsman’s discipline as a concern.
“I still think they can improve without him. I still look at his discipline, the fouls he gives away. Giving constantly, he now has four yellow cards in six games. That’s not discipline, is it? I see the way he plays and you tell yourself that Casemiro can do better.
Parker then went on to state the importance of the summer signing of Christian Eriksen, before taking aim with a jab at Paul Pogba.
“He has made a big difference for Manchester United (Eriksen), they have a midfielder who finds time on the ball and also makes good use of it picking people and passing it. Eriksen has delivered more in the time he has been at Manchester United than Paul Pogba.”
Having played 105 times at right back for United, Parker believes Diogo Dalot is currently the first choice at that position, having improved to the point where he now feels he is number one choice.
“He has proven himself. His entire game has improved defensively. Now, he knows he’s number one right now, and he’s grabbing it. He is grabbing everything,” he said.
However, Parker feels the door is not yet closed for Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s United career, but believes the Englishman needs to improve his game in attacking areas if he is to return to the team.
“All Wan Bissaka can do is sit back and wait in a game. We know all about his defensive strengths. But how can he improve himself as a player in the future?
Parker concluded by stating that he feels a lack of training has affected Wan-Bissaka’s progress since moving from Crystal Palace for £50m.
I would say that Wan-Bissaka hasn’t really been taught how to play as a full-back at Manchester United. No one has really talked to him. He has not been trained.”
