Manchester United icon Paul Parker believes Alejandro Garnacho should be thrust into Erik ten Hag’s starting XI. And he has also urged Marcus Rashford to improve his efforts off the ball to help out teammates.

United have bounced back from this month’s 6-3 derby defeat at Man City with narrow wins over Omonoia and Everton. But Ten Hag will be looking for further improvements when his side host the Greeks in Thursday’s Europa League clash at Old Trafford.

One man who will be hoping to make an appearance from the off is 18-year-old Garnacho. The Argentina youth international is rated as United’s brightest prospect. However, Garnacho has made just three sub appearances so far this season.

And he has plenty of competition in the forward line, with even Cristiano Ronaldo unable to command a regular spot. However, Parker believes Garnacho has plenty to offer United, advising Ten Hag to start the teen as he has “fire in his belly.”

Parker told BeMyBet, “I think really you have to look at what you got within the squad. There’s a younger player, Alejandro Garnacho. Everyone was kind of talking about him in the pre-season. Garnacho has a bit of him, he’s tenacious and he’s got a bit, a lot of Argentinians are playing with a fire in the belly and are a bit fiery, and he’s got a competitive edge. And I think someone like him maybe needs a run. With good players around him, he could probably perform quite well.”

Parker also hinted Garnacho’s inclusion could come at Rashford’s expense. The striker, 24, has enjoyed an upturn in form under Ten Hag, scoring five goals in nine games. But Parker believes Rashford’s work rate tracking back could be improved vastly.

Parker reckons the pressure is off for now, but Rashford should work harder off the ball or else risk being “embarrassed.”

Parker added: “Looking at Rashford, he is not in a position where his teammates will look at him and think he will work hard enough. They won’t look at him to win the ball back after he loses it. It’s not about him having great games, it’s about doing your best to help your teammates. He should have a bit of fright about him because he doesn’t want to be embarrassed when he walks around the town.”