Jamie Carragher names two Manchester United players giving Erik ten Hag headache

Jamie Carragher has questioned how Manchester United will get Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in the same team when both players are available for selection.

Mount started United's crushing 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday evening, though Fernandes was absent as he missed his first-ever game for the Reds through injury.

How Erik ten Hag chooses to line up his midfield when both players return, having not been able to start the pair to date, remains to be seen. The duo featured in the same squad at the start of the season, though Carragher has raised questions over the suitability of such an approach.

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Raising concerns over how Ten Hag is able to get the best out of both players, the former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports: "I must say when he [Mount] was brought in, even though I like him as a player, I did think how does that work with Bruno?

"Because Mason Mount is that player you play in a 4-3-3, he's not a winger and he does not really have that pace, but in a 4-3-3, he will work back, he can press and get you that goal.

"But Bruno is not a player for a 4-3-3, he's a number ten," continued Carragher. "I don't think he is disciplined to play... He (Mount) can help in terms of he's in a number ten role. Bruno is not playing so you haven't got two players who are bombing forward.

"We have highlighted before, no matter who plays in central midfield for United, at times they leave holes there because I think that is the instruction of the manager.

"But in terms of going forward for Mount, Bruno has to play - he is the best player. I am still not quite sure, at the start of next season, where both players play in the same team."

This may not be a problem Ten Hag has to contend with for much longer, Fernandes having cast doubt on his future in a recent interview. The United boss has since responded to the midfielder's comments by expressing his belief the club captain will remain at Old Trafford.

"I know he is Manchester United and I think he is very happy to be here," the Dutchman said.