Paul Merson has expressed his disbelief at Sofyan Amrabat starting for Manchester United against Galatasaray on Wednesday, insisting that Kobbie Mainoo should come in against Newcastle this weekend.

Merson was speaking to Sportskeeda after Erik ten Hag’s men saw their hopes of progressing in the Champions League dealt a massive blow in Turkey.

United threw away a two-goal lead on two occasions, with Andre Onana having a terrible night in goal. They now face a huge task on the final match day to get through to the knockout stages.

Paul Merson suggests dropping Sofyan Amrabat for Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they face Newcastle. Of course, they had an excellent result against Everton last time out.

Merson said he would be shocked if Everton lost to Manchester United. But a wonder strike from Alejandro Garnacho set the visitors on their way to a 3-0 win at Goodison Park.

The game saw Kobbie Mainoo produce a superb performance on his full debut for the club. Mainoo was a substitute against Galatasaray in the week, with Sofyan Amrabat coming into the lineup.

And Paul Merson suggested that that change was an error that ten Hag needs to put right against the Magpies.

“They have to trust Kobbie Mainoo to play at the base of midfield. He did a great job against Everton last weekend and I don’t know why they went with Sofyan Amrabat against Galatasaray,” he told Sportskeeda.

“It must have something to do with not throwing a young player in the deep end in as hostile an environment as the RAMS Park.”

Manchester United loanee struggling to prove himself

Amrabat has, so far, been an underwhelming signing for United. Certainly, he has struggled to show the form that made the Moroccan one of the best players at last year’s World Cup.

And he did not play particularly well against Gala.

It would be a big ask for Mainoo to come into the side for the game at Old Trafford this weekend. But Merson clearly believes that Manchester United would be better off for it.