Erik ten Hag warned over 'risky strategy' with two Manchester United players

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has questioned Erik ten Hag's 'harsh' treatment of more experienced squad members.

Ten Hag's selection decisions are currently under the microscope at United, with Raphael Varane omitted from a starting line-up since the 4-3 Champions League defeat at FC Copenhagen at the start of November. The French international was ever-present when fit last season but has been usurped at right-sided centre-back by the in-form Harry Maguire.

Maguire can also play on the left side, however, and another ropey defensive display in Wednesday's 3-3 draw against Galatasaray has seen some fans question Ten Hag's insistence on keeping Varane on the bench. The Dutchman has remained steadfast in his selection but Saha believes it is a 'risky' path to take.

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“The thing I can see with Ten Hag is he tends to be willing to make more harsh selection decisions on the players that have way more experience than the young players who still have a lot to learn," the former France striker told BettingOdds.com. “These players are the finished product, and it’s clear ten Hag will say if you don’t perform for two or three games then you are out, which maybe gives a strong message to the rest of the players that if Varane or Casemiro can be dropped, then anybody can be.

"That could be good, but it is a risky strategy for Ten Hag. I feel like you have to give those players a bit more respect because they didn’t join United to sit on the bench.”

Varane's benching has fuelled speculation that he could leave United, either in January or next summer. The 30-year-old is contracted until 2025 and the club