Rio Ferdinand says three Manchester United stars are being played too much, he’s worried

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Manchester United have to think long-term in order to protect the futures of their top young stars.

Former Red Devils ace Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United are putting too much pressure on a talented young trio.

In recent weeks the best players in the Manchester United team have been some of the youngest on the pitch.

While this provides immense pride for all associated with the club’s academy, there is some reason to be concerned too.

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Manchester United must protect young trio

Rio Ferdinand is a big fan of Manchester United talent Kobbie Mainoo, but he also has some fears too.

He believes that Mainoo, along with striker Rasmus Hojlund and winger Alejandro Garnacho, are being asked to do too much.

Ferdinand told Five: “Hojlund, Garnacho and probably Mainoo will come into this category, they are playing too many games.

“Young players at their age need to be dipped in and dipped out. These boys are being asked to hold the fort and hold the torch.”

Manchester United appearances this season

Kobbie Mainoo has just played in his 10th game of the season and seventh in the Premier League, since returning from injury in late November.

Rasmus Hojlund has played in 25 games to date, of which 20 have been as a starter.

United would have liked to rotate him a lot more, but when the only other option is an injury-prone Anthony Martial, needs-must.

And this is the problem with United’s squad, it is unbalanced in attack, and this has led to Alejandro Garnacho being leaned on a lot more than would be ideal.

Garnacho is the team’s player of the month for the last two months, fully earning those awards, but he has not had much of a break lately.

One of his objectives this season was to establish himself as a regular starter, he has made 18 this season so far, from 27 total appearances. This has been a big step forward for Garnacho.

But while he is 19, Mainoo 18 and Hojlund 20, the concerns that the trio are being used too frequently are fair, and the more senior players in the squad need to step up and demonstrate why they should be the undroppable players.

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