A former Premier League player believes Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim "is running out of ideas" and could pay the ultimate price for his decision to loan out Marcus Rashford.
The Red Devils' struggles continued over the weekend as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, dropping to 13th place in the Premier League table.
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Amorim's side has won just eight of their 24 league games this season, with only four clubs scoring fewer goals.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford – who has already scored more league goals this season than Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee – joined Aston Villa on loan during the January transfer window.
This came after Amorim left excluded the England international from all but one squad since their victory over Manchester City in December.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former EPL star Paul Merson said: "I think the manager is running out of ideas. What he has done with Rashford is mind-blowing.
"I think his job is on the line with Rashford. If he gets 10 [goals] in 10 [games for Villa] you would be seriously asking questions, 'what are you doing?'"
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored both goals in Crystal Palace's win over United, and Merson suggested the French striker could be exactly what the Manchester side need.
"United need a big strong lad up front. They should go and get Mateta. But they won't because he plays for Palace.
"He is 100 times better than what they have at Man Utd, apart from [Amad] Diallo."
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With United's season unravelling, pressure is mounting on Amorim to turn things around – perhaps before it becomes too late.