Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has expressed concerns about the weight of expectation being loaded onto the shoulders of Manchester United's youngsters, such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho started for the 45th game running on Sunday as United slipped to a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal. The visit of the Gunners also marked Mainoo's 20th league start on the bounce.
United's extensive injury crisis this season has meant Erik ten Hag has been unable to rotate as often as he probably would have liked. To Garnacho's and Mainoo's credit, though, they are both leading contenders for the club's Player of the Year award.
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Nevertheless, Richards has shared concerns about the lack of leadership within the squad for them to look up to for support and inspiration.
"You know what, I am really worried for the young players at Manchester United," Richards told the Stick to Football podcast. "When we were the young players coming through, we had those senior players who would guide you through.
"We have spoken about Mainoo and how good he is, but he is having to be the main man in the team at his age, and Garnacho is only 19 as well. Hojlund is only young as well.
"Of course, playing for Manchester United doesn't matter about your age because if you are good enough you will play, we know that. They have no guidance have they? I feel like it's very difficult to sort of assess Manchester United without the full context.
"When you have got [Victor] Lindelof, [Anthony] Martial, [Harry] Maguire, [Lisandro] Martinez, [Luke]
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