Earlier this season, Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera started in the heart of their defence against Tottenham Hotspur…and it ended in tears.
United lost 3-0 despite some impressive early play from the £29m signing. And Jose Mourinho’s side shipped three more with another midfielder at the back on Saturday.
This time it was Scott McTominay, playing alongside Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof. But the story was the same.
The youngster was not to blame for United’s capitulation. However, Mourinho’s belief that his midfielders are better than his centre-backs was again proved wrong.
McTominay’s inclusion was yet another insult to Eric Bailly, who has gone from United’s best defender to ignored fringe man in no time.
The young Scot did his best against the Hammers, just as Herrera did against Tottenham. The issue is United are a mess when it comes to tactics and selection.
One week it is a back four, next it is a back-three. Players are out of position. There is no spark because there is no time to build momentum.
It is time Mourinho stopped experimenting with United’s future. He knows where players perform at their best. That is what he is paid to do.
So he must stop the petty squabbling and the bizarre selections before our season is over.
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