Dwight Yorke has urged Manchester United midfield duo Fred and Scott McTominay to "stand up and earn their money" over the coming weeks.
The Red Devils legend reckons the pair must show why they earn the big bucks while first-choice midfielders Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are sidelined through suspension and injury respectively. Although Bayern Munich loanee and January signing Marcel Sabitzer has been backed to fill the void, it's expected that Fred and McTominay will each have significant roles to play in the near future.
While Casemiro's deputy, McTominay, is currently nursing a short-term injury, Fred is a cert to start Wednesday's clash at home to old foes Leeds, having mostly played second fiddle to Eriksen for Premier League matches. United then embark on a crucial run fixtures spread across four competitions and Yorke hopes that Erik ten Hag 's backup midfielders will come the fore.
"It's harsh on his [Casemiro's] team-mates because we all know what he brings to the table, and they're a much better side with him involved," the ex-Red Devils striker, who was recently sacked as manager of Australian side Macarthur, told Ladbrokes: Fanzone. "It'll be a massive loss for them, but this is where the top teams are tested; you need players to come in and do the job while he's out.
"For the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred, their job right now is simple: they've got to stand up and earn their money. You've got to come in when the team needs you. Erik ten Hag needs to pull those players aside and just stress how much he needs them in Casemiro's absence. That's where you get team unity when the boys sitting on the bench can come in and do a job. Help the team.
"These fringe players have to stand up… it's why you have such big squads. You can't rely on one player all season. There has to be depth in quality, otherwise what are you getting paid for? I hope the players recognise that and I hope Ten Hag can trust his players. This is their moment. He needs them now."
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While Casemiro is suspended for United's next three league games after being sent off during Saturday's 2-1 win against Crystal Palace, regular partner Eriksen is expected to be out until late April with an ankle injury. Also, Donny van de Beek will miss the remainder of the campaign with a serious knee injury but Ten Hag is confident in his replacements.
"I'm the manager, I always have to play with the players who are available," the Dutchman affirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Leeds' visit to Old Trafford. "We have a squad, we have many good players available in that squad, who are not always in the starting XI.
"So, others [will] get the chance and I have to do it. After the game, I can't say Casemiro is not there, Anthony Martial is not there, no, we have to win. This squad, all players in [it], are Man United capable, so they have to perform tomorrow and we have to win the games no matter who is coming on the pitch."
