CREATIVE DIFFERENCES
JOE COLE EXCLUSIVE: Ten Hag must give Fernandes and Rashford breathing space
CRISIS-HIT Manchester United are holding back Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes – not the other way around.
That’s according to TNT Sport pundit Joe Cole, who has jumped to the defence of United’s dejected attacking duo despite their turbulent form ahead of Wednesday’s crunch Champions League trip to Copenhagen.
“Rashford (top right) and Fernandes are both world class players,” said Cole.
“They’re outstanding footballers but they’re in a system that’s not allowing them to express their creative abilities.
“Rashford is the face of Manchester United and Bruno is the captain but I wouldn’t want my creative players to be the main leaders.”
Cole (above) argues the confidence of Rashford and Fernandes has been crippled by the responsibilities that come with being a senior dressing-room figure.
In his view, boss Erik ten Hag should have appointed Raphael Varane – not Fernandes – as club captain and the decision has since proved damaging for the Dutchman.
Cole added: “The captain should be someone like Varane, a player behind the rest of the team who can say to Fernandes (right) and Rashford, ‘You can be the difference-makers for us’.
“When Marcus plays and there are no other thoughts in his head – like when he played for England the other day against Italy – he’s outstanding. He’s a world-beater.
“The same applies to Fernandes. Don’t get me wrong, they still need to be leaders but the body language of the whole squad needs to improve.
“I would be putting more pressure on the players that are at the back, who can see the whole game, to drive the team and lift the dressing room.”
Yesterday’s 1-0 win at Fulham – and the clean sheet – has given Ten Hag breathing space, but defeat in Denmark would leave United with a mountain to climb for knockout qualification, even after their dramatic 1-0 triumph against the Danes at Old Trafford last month.
The Red Devils still have to travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray in one of Europe’s most-volatile atmospheres before the visit of Bayern Munich in mid-december.
Despite the turmoil, Cole claims you cannot bet against Manchester United in Europe because when they are at their pomp they still possess the quality to hurt opponents.
“They have to beat Copenhagen, they’re Manchester United,” Cole said. “If I’m Erik ten Hag, this is win or bust. I’m saying to my players, ‘We’re on the train, who’s with me?’
“United are total underdogs in this competition, not so much against Copenhagen, but it would be a great achievement if they made it to the latter rounds of the knockout stages.
“There are so many top teams in Europe but equally, we’ve seen far worse sides than United in terms of quality win the Champions League over the years.
“United on their day can still beat anyone. If Fernandes, Rashford or Rasmus Hojlund have it off, they’re incredibly dangerous.
“As boring as it is, it’s about winning the next game and seeing where the ride takes you.”