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#3 Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw touched world-class levels last season. He was a creative force at left-back, motoring forward and giving Manchester United much-needed thrust down the left side. He was also pretty adept defensively.
Shaw also had a wonderful outing at Euro 2020. However, his levels have dropped to shocking levels this season. He hasn't offered much going forward and has just two assists in 14 appearances this term.
Shaw produced two utterly poor performances against Liverpool and Manchester City. His positioning and decision-making have been suspect all season. However, he looked as lost as a toddler at Pottery Barn, against Liverpool and City, reduced to a mere spectator watching grown-ups go about their business.
He just cannot be allowed to continue in this fashion. The Englishman has to be removed from the first team and given some time to gather his bearings and get his fitness back.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Yet another inclusion that could divide opinions. But for the discerning viewer, this has got to be as clear as daylight by now. Cristiano Ronaldo offers goals and vital ones too. But they come at a cost. They could soon come at the cost of Solskjaer's job.
With Ronaldo playing uptop, Manchester United are rigid. Much of their attacking efficiency came from the fluidity of their frontline. With Bruno Fernandes playing much like a false nine and the likes of Rashford, Cavani and Greenwood operating ahead of him, they were unstoppable when they were all on song.
Ronaldo rarely moves to the flanks and doesn't offer much in the build-up. He will be there to finish off moves but it comes at the cost of United's style of play. Since joining the club, Ronaldo has started only one game on the bench. That was the Premier League match against Everton.
Despite the game ending 1-1, Manchester United played some of their best football this season in that first half. Ronaldo's pressing often looks performative and it's quite underwhelming when you compare it to Edinson Cavani's workrate.
No player ought to be undroppable but the Portuguese international seems to have that kind of clout in this Manchester United team now. Solskjaer needs to be ruthless and get his team to play to heir strengths again.
#1 Harry Maguire
Yes, Harry Maguire was one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in the 2020-21 season. He is also one of the worst this term. It's astonishing how the Manchester United captain can oscillate between exceptional and downright ordinary.
He looks clueless in the heart of defence and has been dragged around in every single game. Manchester United have not kept a clean sheet in 14 home matches and much of it is down to their underperforming backline.
Carrying the ball forward and playing line-breaking passes has been one of Maguire's strengths. He has been awful at that too this term. Maguire is very clearly what you call a 'confidence player' who just doesn't seem to have any amount of belief in his own abilities right now.
Since Varane is out for at least three more weeks, Maguire might be allowed to continue. But he simply shouldn't be. He might be deployed again by Solskjaer in the hopes that his good qualities will shine through. But it is very evident at this point that Maguire needs some time off.
