Former Manchester United defender Paul Andrew Parker wants Jose Mourinho to hand Dutch youngster and Ghana target Timothy Fosu-Mensah a place in the Red Devils’ starting XI this season.
Parker claims Fosu-Mensah, who was not part of United's squad that defeated Bournemouth 3-1 on opening day, is a better option than Antonio Valencia.
“The position United have to worry about is right-back. They have Fosu-Mensah who is absolutely perfect. He is a very good defender and in the final third he's as cool as a cucumber," Parker told 888Sport.
“He never panicked last season and has arrogance on the ball. He would be a better bet than Valencia who is fine up to a point but doesn't have a trick. The thing that goes against Fosu-Mensah is that he's young and Mourinho doesn't like young players.
“It's the same old story and if that's what is keeping him out of the side that's a concern. For me, it doesn't make any sense to pick Valencia against Bournemouth. He can't defend and by that, I don't mean he can't tackle but he doesn't sense danger and his positional sense is poor.
“Fosu-Mensah is a young player who has done very well so you then look at the manager who has to give something back, to make him feel a part of the team. I had that with Gary Neville.
“I was told by Sir Alex that Neville had to play because he was worried that if he didn't play him he'd start to lose his confidence. That's how Sir Alex worked with young players. When he saw they were ready but there was an older pro ahead of them he'd look at the long-term picture,” he added.
United welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Friday, which will be Mourinho’s first home game after replacing Louis van Gaal.
Record signing Paul Pogba is eligible to feature after serving his one-match ban.
Parker claims Fosu-Mensah, who was not part of United's squad that defeated Bournemouth 3-1 on opening day, is a better option than Antonio Valencia.
“The position United have to worry about is right-back. They have Fosu-Mensah who is absolutely perfect. He is a very good defender and in the final third he's as cool as a cucumber," Parker told 888Sport.
“He never panicked last season and has arrogance on the ball. He would be a better bet than Valencia who is fine up to a point but doesn't have a trick. The thing that goes against Fosu-Mensah is that he's young and Mourinho doesn't like young players.
“It's the same old story and if that's what is keeping him out of the side that's a concern. For me, it doesn't make any sense to pick Valencia against Bournemouth. He can't defend and by that, I don't mean he can't tackle but he doesn't sense danger and his positional sense is poor.
“Fosu-Mensah is a young player who has done very well so you then look at the manager who has to give something back, to make him feel a part of the team. I had that with Gary Neville.
“I was told by Sir Alex that Neville had to play because he was worried that if he didn't play him he'd start to lose his confidence. That's how Sir Alex worked with young players. When he saw they were ready but there was an older pro ahead of them he'd look at the long-term picture,” he added.
United welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Friday, which will be Mourinho’s first home game after replacing Louis van Gaal.
Record signing Paul Pogba is eligible to feature after serving his one-match ban.
United way up
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