Well they clearly are not as good as we would like to think, as consecutive managers have not started them, Monga being the exception.
Now, this might be done to how we are (instructed to) play, but regardless, it is true.
Also, if he has had long enough to turn it around in some peoples opinion, he has therefore also he time to gauge if the youth is suitable for inclusion in the starting XI (you can’t have it both ways)
Of course it could just be that he is encouraged to play some of the old guard, either from the board or senior player pressure.
Or he is just an idiot. Or a footballing masochist.