Owen Hargreaves says Erik ten Hag is left with no other option but to bench an out-of-form Matthijs de Ligt for Manchester United's pivotal encounter with Aston Villa on Sunday.
De Ligt endured a forgettable performance as the Red Devils relinquished a two-goal lead, eventually trailing 3-2 to Porto in their Europa League match on Thursday evening.
Adding to the drama, Bruno Fernandes received his marching orders for the second time in a week, setting the stage for De Ligt's substitute, Harry Maguire, to nod in a crucial leveller.
Former United star Hargreaves believes that Ten Hag has to opt for Maguire against De Ligt in the face-off at Villa Park, especially considering the potential repercussions of another disappointing result after a tumultuous start to the campaign. READ MORE: I saw the leader Manchester United are crying out for and he has to start at Aston Villa READ MORE: Manchester United player ratings vs Porto as Harry Maguire good but Matthijs de Ligt poor "Harry will play at the weekend against Villa.