Rio Ferdinand has named Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the players who must now step up after Manchester United suffered more injury woe.
United crashed out of the Champions League bottom of their group after a dismal 1-0 defeat at home to already-qualified Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
To make matters worse, United were forced into two changes with Harry Maguire, perhaps the club’s best player in recent weeks, forced off in the first-half with what appeared to be a groin problem.
Shortly after Jonny Evans had come onto replace the former captain, Luke Shaw was seen struggling. The left-back, who only returned from a 16-game absence at the end of November, was seen limping back to the dressing room at half-time with Wan-Bissaka onto replace him.
United were already without Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof in defence on Wednesday night with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount among those injured with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial missing out through illness.
It doesn’t get any easier for United with a trip to Anfield where they lost 7-0 to Liverpool looming this weekend.
Varane, who was back in the side for his first start since early November on Wednesday night, came off after 80 minutes with perhaps that game in mind with former United defender Ferdinand believing he and Wan-Bissaka are among those who must now ‘show resilience’ to help save United’s season.
‘Players have got to step up,’ Ferdinand told TNT Sport. ‘Harry Maguire has gained confidence after being out of the side for a long time but picked up an injury today.
‘It looks like Luke Shaw is another one who picked up a niggle and had to come off. Injuries have been prominent throughout the season and they are continuing to build up now.
‘However, you have to show you are a resilience side, you have to find a way to look at the younger players. [Kobbie] Mainoo is one who will maybe have to come in and play some more minutes.
‘The players that are coming in some of those areas, Wan-Bissaka cost £45million. He’s not some kid with no experience, he is a £45million player coming on the pitch today.
‘Varane came on today, [he has won] four Champions Leagues. It’s not like you’re bringing in guys that have never played at this level. The drop off is too big.’