Micah Richards and Gary Lineker were both in full agreement over one key Manchester United star who would make it into a top-six Premier League side.
Manchester United have endured a tough start to the 2024-25 Premier League season under manager Erik ten Hag, who is now facing mounting pressure.
The Red Devils are now 13th in the Premier League table after their opening six league matches of the campaign, with United only winning twice in the league.
Erik ten Hag was dealt a further blow on Sunday after Tottenham inflicted a 3-0 Premier League defeat on 10-man United at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils also dropped crucial points at the start of their Europa League campaign last week after FC Twente snatched a point in their 1-1 draw.
Richards and Lineker on Man Utd stars
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker discussed Manchester United players who would make the Premier League teams in the top six.
Richards believed that Kobbie Mainoo, who had a breakout season at Old Trafford in the 2023-24 campaign, would be among the United players who would feature in a top-six side.
“Mainoo gets in a top-six side. Definitely,” he said.
Lineker insisted that United captain Bruno Fernandes would be another candidate for a top-six side, with Richards agreeing with his fellow The Rest Is Football co-host.
“I think Fernandes as well for sure,” Lineker said.
Richards added: “Fernandes when he is on song.”
Lineker also namechecked Marcus Rashford as another potential candidate, while Richards backed Lisandro Martinez as another player worthy of a top-six placement.
“Rashford when he is at his best,” Lineker said.
Speaking on Lisandro Martinez, Richards explained: “Martinez as well. Obviously, he has been inconsistent with injuries and all that sort of thing. And that would be it, if I am being totally honest.”
Ten Hag on Man Utd star Fernandes
Erik ten Hag lost Bruno Fernandes for the second half of the Tottenham defeat after the United captain was controversially sent off before half-time.
The 54-year-old Dutchman staunchly defended Fernandes after the Premier League match and believed that the United star should not have received a red card.
“I don’t think it’s a red card,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“[Should VAR have intervened?] I don’t want to judge and I don’t want to give a comment on this.
“The referee gave him a red card. I’ve got my opinion – I don’t think it’s a red card. I think that’s the case.”
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