Jamie Carragher names two Manchester United players who have given Erik ten Hag a headache

Jamie Carragher has wondered how Manchester United will get Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount into the same squad when both players are available for selection.

Mount started United’s crushing 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday night, although Fernandes was absent as he missed his first game for the Reds through injury.

It remains to be seen how Erik ten Hag chooses to line up his midfield when both players return, having been unable to start the pair thus far. The duo were part of the same team at the start of the season, although Carragher has raised questions about the suitability of such an approach.

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Expressing concern over how the Ten Hag is able to get the best out of both players, the former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports: “I have to say when he (Mount) was brought in, although I like him as a player, I thought how does this work with Bruno?

“Because Mason Mount is that player you play in a 4-3-3, he’s not a winger and he doesn’t really have that pace, but in a 4-3-3 he’ll work back, he can press and you can take that goal.

“But Bruno is not a 4-3-3 player, he is a number ten,” Carragher continued. “I don’t think he’s disciplined to play … He (Mount) can help in terms of the number ten role. Bruno is not playing so you don’t have two players to bomb forward.

“I’ve pointed out before, no matter who plays in central midfield for United, sometimes they leave holes there because I think that’s the manager’s instruction.

“But in terms of going forward for the Mount, Bruno has to play – he’s the best player. I’m not sure yet, at the start of next season, when both players are playing in the same team.”

That may not be an issue the Ten Hag have to deal with for much longer, with Fernandes questioning his future in a recent interview. The United boss has since responded to the midfielder’s comments by expressing his belief that the club captain will remain at Old Trafford.

“I know it’s Manchester United and I think he’s very happy to be here,” the Dutchman said.