'Criticising them again' - Alan Shearer sends warning to Man Utd trio after win vs West Ham

Alan Shearer insists consistency is key if Manchester United want to build on the promise of recent weeks - particularly for their young stars.

United's young guns were at the heart of things again on Sunday as they beat West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford. Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring with his fourth goal in as many games before Alejandro Garnacho's second-half brace ensured all three points remained at Old Trafford.

Alongside the goalscoring pair, Kobbie Mainoo was outstanding in central midfield and a picture of the trio sat on advertising boards to celebrate Garnacho's goal got a lot of attention after full-time. Manager Erik ten Hag was quick to praise all three young players who have been rare positives during an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker heaped praise on Garnacho, Hojlund and Mainoo, insisting the future looks bright with them at Old Trafford. But Shearer urged against getting too carried away, following what is only a couple of good results.

“Really, really talented individuals aren’t they so I get that and understand that but it’s just the consistency with Manchester United," he said. “We have been there before and maybe in a month’s time we will be criticising them again. One week I think they are back and the next I think oh no, it’s another disappointment so they have to keep the results going.”

United have struggled to string a consistent run of results together this season, with a number of encouraging runs proving little more than false dawns. This is just the second time they have registered three consecutive victories across all competitions, having beaten Brentford, Sheffield United and FC Copenhagen in October.

The Reds face a huge challenge trying to extend that run to a fourth game for the first time this season, with next weekend's fixture seeing them go to Aston Villa. Unai Emery's side currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League space that United want come May and they are six points ahead of their upcoming visitors.

United will be without Lisandro Martinez for the game after he suffered a worrying knee injury against West Ham on Sunday. However, initial fears look to have been allayed amid reports that the defender will not require surgery and could return to action in April.