GET THE MESSAGE

Former United stalwart Lou Macari feels some of the problem may lie in the lack of exposure some of the younger players are getting against more experienced opponents.

“In years gone by, the reserve team was an excellent stepping stone because there were usually a few older players in the opposition team and the experience of playing against them was invaluable,” he said.

“Nowadays, reserve matches virtually resemble youth team games because the sides are so young. Before Saturday's game I had visions of Kieran Richardson ripping Scott Hiley to pieces down the left and Chris Eagles doing the same thing down the right. But they just seemed a bit daunted by the whole thing.”

“Roy Keane made a good point a few weeks ago when he said the younger players had not made it just because they had been selected for a first team game. Maybe the one positive thing to come out of Saturday's game was that message being rammed home even further.”

“These lads haven't forced their way in. They got a chance because the senior players were rested. They have to recognise that and make sure they keep working hard on the training ground trying to improve because clearly, they have a long way to go yet.”

Exeter chairman Dr David Treharne insisted:

“Whatever squad he brings here, I don’t think many United players will have experienced an environment like ours. The ground staffs do a remarkable job to get the pitch as playable as it is.”

“But, even so, I wouldn’t advise United players to wear their best Gucci loafers to this game."