Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has issued a challenge to Manchester United fringe player Jadon Sancho – he was also critical of Erik Ten Hag for the Red Devils’ slow start to the season.

He acknowledged the natural talent that Sancho possesses, but also noted that he ‘really needs to pick himself up’ and said that he ‘looks completely done’ from a mental perspective.

Meanwhile, on Ten Hag, the Spaniard is not convinced by his United tenure so far. He called the Dutchman’s accomplishments into question, suggesting that they should move on from him if they cannot secure a top four finish in the Premier League this season.

What are Jose Enrique’s thoughts on Jadon Sancho at Manchester United?

In an interview with Grosvenor Sport, Enrique stated: “You know how it is as a player. It doesn’t matter the qualities you have – if your confidence is down, you’re done, you look like an ex-player! That’s what he looks like at the moment, but the qualities are clearly there. [Jadon] Sancho is a very good, talented player, but he’s coming into this Manchester United team and mentally he looks completely done.

“He really needs to pick himself up. Maybe he needs help or something, but he really needs to pick himself up because the qualities are there. He’s still a very young player and there’s enough time to turn it around, but it’s a problem at the moment.”

What did Jose Enrique say about Erik Ten Hag?

On Ten Hag, Enrique said: “Obviously, I understand that you have to support and stick with the manager, but they just keep losing games at the moment. If they don’t get close to the top four this season, then what are the club going to do? Keep him? The only thing he’s really done for the club is finish in the top four – other managers have done that in the past – and won a cup.

“I think their game against Brentford will be a draw. You know how it is in Old Trafford when the team is in this kind of situation. When the team is doing well it’s good, but if they’re not doing well, the fans start to whistle after 10 minutes and get mad at the players. I think they’re going to draw – and I really hope so too!”