Manchester United return to action in the Carabao Cup this week against Newcastle at Old Trafford.

A home loss to Manchester City underlined Manchester United's problems, with the team beaten resoundingly.

This week's Carabao Cup fourth round match against Newcastle is a chance to reset and lift the gloom, and Erik ten Hag should turn to youth to do so.

The last Carabao Cup game was a 3-0 win over a lacklustre Crystal Palace side, which also featured a youthful, exciting line-up.

Garnacho, 19, scored the opening goal of the game, with Pellistri, 21, heavily involved in the build-up.

Hannibal, 20, was full of energy in midfield, following on from a superb performance away at Burnley days earlier.

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It looked like he had really cracked it. And yet, all of the trio have failed to see their roles expand despite their strong performances.

Ten Hag abandoned it to revert to under-performing regulars, who have failed to lift their games.

Garnacho has not started a single game since. Nor has Hannibal. He has played just 45 minutes since.

Pellistri started the league game against Palace, was hooked after an hour and has not played a single minute thereafter.

It is harsh treatment of the young trio, considering the likes of Marcus Rashford get repeated time to prove their worth, and fail to do so. Playing Bruno Fernandes out on the right wing is not working either.

Dropping the young trio is one thing if the senior stars are performing well ahead of them. But it is another to do so when they are not.

All three should be recalled Manchester United should be a meritocracy where places in the team are earned and not awarded on reputation. Erik ten Hag has been going wrong here lately.

Garnacho, Pellistri and Hannibal have earned more opportunities than they have been getting lately.

It may be a brave decision to start all three against Newcastle this week, but you would expect to see them all involved at some stage of the game, and at least one in the line-up.

Erik ten Hag described Garnacho as a game changer. He should certainly be in.

And with Pellistri and Hannibal so unlucky to be overlooked in recent weeks, it's time to send a message to the rest of the team, and ring the changes. Their fresh legs could make a real difference.