Gary Lineker and Micah Richards pick 4 Manchester United players who can play for any top-6 side; Alan Shearer says they’re being ‘generous’

Premier League top scorer Alan Shearer reacted to Gary Lineker and Micah Richards' choice of four Manchester United players who won't look out of place at a top-six side.

The Red Devils are coming off a resounding 3-0 Premier League home loss at the weekend to Tottenham Hotspur. Erik ten Hag's side conceded the opener inside three minutes before letting in two more after the break following captain Bruno Fernandes' send-off just before half-time.

On the Rest is Football podcast (via Sport Bible), Richards took the name of Kobbie Mainoo, one of the breakout stars at Euro 2024, and Bruno Fernandes, who Lineker agreed as well. Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez were his other choices.

"(Kobbie) Mainoo gets in, in a top six side, definitely," said Richards. "(Bruno) Fernandes when he's on song. Marcus Rashford when he's at his best."

"I would take (Lisandro) Martinez as well. Obviously he's been inconsistent with injuries and all that sort of thing, and that would be it Alan, if I'm being totally honest," he added.

Shearer simply responded:

"I think you're being generous by the way."

It's pertinent to note that no United player has scored more than once in the Premier League this season. Their seven points from their opening six games are the joint-fewest the Red Devils have had at the start of a Premier League season.

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What's next for Manchester United?

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have made a dismal start to their campaign, especially in the Premier League, where they are 13th, eight points off leaders Liverpool after six games. Their three league defeats include a 3-0 home loss to the Reds.

Erik ten Hag's side commenced their season with a shootout loss to Manchester City in the FA Community Shield before beating Fulham 1-0 at home in their Premier League opener.

However, since then, they have won only one of their next five league outings, losing three, including 3-0 home losses to Liverpool and Spurs. Things have hardly gone much better in Europe, with the Red Devils opening their UEFA Europa League campaign with a 1-1 home draw with Ten Hag's former side FC Twente.

They next travel to FC Porto on Thursday (October 3) in their next outing in the competition before travelling to Aston Villa in the league three days later. The Red Devils have only qualified for the Europa League after winning the FA Cup last season, having finished a lowly eighth in the league.