Manchester United’s off-field troubles continued to upset the balance of things on the pitch with United falling to a shock 3-1 defeat to West Ham this afternoon.
21-year-old United ace Scott McTominay was the subject of criticism from fans this afternoon after the youngster was deemed to be at fault for Marko Arnautovic’s goal which gave the Hammers a 3-1 lead.
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/1046022446690816006
It was plain to see that the young central midfielder was out of his depth this afternoon whilst stepping in at centre-back for the Red Devils.
The above tweet from United Xtra highlights United’s defensive worries neither of Chris Smalling or McTominay picked up Arnautovic which led to Mark Noble playing a simple through ball which split the United defence with ease.
The Premier League is the highest level league competition in the world and substituting an inexperienced youngster into the line-up; in an unnatural position is a complete oversight by Mourinho.
It simply isn’t good enough when facing up against such a talented attacker like Arnautovic.
See More: Man Utd equal unwanted club record after disastrous defeat at West Ham
Despite McTominay being at fault for the goal boss Jose Mourinho still praised the youngster following the game.
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/1046032778188509184
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/1046042592364941312
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/1046042616096337920
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/1046042851195449345
United couldn’t afford the luxury of starting McTominay outside of his natural position this afternoon especially with the side’s recent run of form and Mourinho’s decision to hand McTominay his first start of the season was rightly punished by the West Ham attack.
Fans took to Twitter to blast Mourinho’s decision to start the youngster at centre-back:
Pog off… Man Utd 3-1 down…McTominay at right centre back… what is going on at Utd?? Something has to give soon…
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) September 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/DeGeaoIogy/status/1046013746584399872
Just remember we have Eric Bailly on the bench and we’re playing McTominay at CB. This loss is 100% on Mourinho. #MUFC
— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) September 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/1046032354635132928
He’s an absolute parody. McTominay was gulity for both the first and third goals so contributed a massive deal to our loss. Just reading his quotes drives you more insane. https://t.co/2cRnIwCmEZ
— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) September 29, 2018
van Gaal lost me after apathetic performance v Sheffield United in a cup game at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho lost me by taking off a central defender 2-0 down to West Ham to leave McTominay at centre-back with Chris Smalling. Defended him to the point of abuse. Time to go now.
— Annemarie Dray (@AnnemarieDray) September 29, 2018
Many have questioned Mourinho’s desire to play youth in the past and today certainly wasn’t the time to make a statement by the Portuguese manager given the dire situation the club has found itself in.