“Drop him and Zirkzee if you want to still keep your job. These two flops would be the end of your time at Old Trafford” – This is according to Roy Keane as he advises Erik Ten Hag to bench a key player who has featured in every match of the 2024/25 season, alongside Joshua Zirkzee. The team’s recent struggles call for a shake-up, and resting this ever-present star could offer a needed tactical adjustment.

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag may try to find comfort in their ongoing four-game unbeaten run across all competitions, but that can’t fully dispel the lingering negativity surrounding the club.

Despite last weekend’s comeback win against Brentford, the midweek Europa League performance was disappointing, as United delivered a lackluster showing in a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce.

Christian Eriksen’s early goal aside, United’s attacking struggles were evident, with just seven goals scored in eight Premier League matches so far—only three teams have scored fewer.

The return of captain Bruno Fernandes could help stabilize the midfield, allowing Rasmus Hojlund to replace Joshua Zirkzee up front against West Ham.

While Zirkzee’s start at Old Trafford has been challenging, patience with the young Dutch forward is beginning to wear thin.

Though he assisted Eriksen’s goal in Turkey, his overall impact was limited, failing to impress with just one goal this season and struggling to make meaningful contributions.

The squad’s injury woes continue, especially in defense, yet Ten Hag has persisted with Diogo Dalot as a starter in every game this season.

Dalot’s inconsistency was exposed during the draw against Fenerbahce, where he struggled defensively and missed opportunities in attack. Despite his solid performances under Ten Hag, there have been too many errors, suggesting that his place in the lineup shouldn’t be guaranteed.

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s departure reducing competition, Dalot has perhaps become too comfortable. The time might be right to consider alternatives, such as Noussair Mazraoui or shifting Lisandro Martinez to left-back.

As United head to London Stadium in desperate need of a win, some changes in the starting lineup may be necessary to rejuvenate the team’s fortunes.