Lisandro Martinez could be toast after surprise Man Utd update ahead of Brentford
Erik ten Hag stole the headlines ahead of Manchester United's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa earlier this month by dropping his £100million pair of signings, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt. Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans replaced the first-choice duo, helping United keep a much-needed clean sheet at Villa Park.
Evans was named Player of the Match. Maguire suffered contrasting fortunes, being forced off through an injury at half-time, which has ruled him out for a few weeks.
But Ten Hag hailed the former's performance after the stalemate and that of De Ligt, who he opted to step in for Maguire instead of Martinez.
Related articles Man Utd dressing room 'angry' at Jim Ratcliffe after leaving employee 'in tears' Man Utd players 'threatened to pay for own flights' as INEOS turmoil exposedThe Argentine's initial snub was damning enough. But his second-half snub represented a worrying indicator of Ten Hag's stance on his start to the season.
During the October international break, reports claimed that the United boss was considering using Evans as a makeshift left-back.
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However, Ten Hag confirmed yesterday that Mazraoui was available for selection against Brentford, avoiding a major headache at Old Trafford.
He will likely start alongside Diogo Dalot as the hosts' full-backs, as has been standard procedure since his £17million arrival from Bayern Munich.
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A dilemma remains at the heart of Ten Hag's defence, though. There is no reason for Evans to drop out of the side after his inspired display at Villa.
By doing so, the Dutchman would risk a severe backlash if Martinez produced his latest below-par showing to contribute to another poor result.
But if Ten Hag sticks with Evans, the star he splashed £57m to bring to Manchester with him from Ajax two years ago would surely be the one to miss out.
De Ligt's introduction over Martinez last time out suggested that he has more of Ten Hag's current faith on his side.
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Related articles The untold story of Sir Alex Ferguson's Man Utd exit after family tragedy Man Utd 'have three-man Ten Hag replacement shortlist' as INEOS make contact Paul Pogba's private chat after Man Utd exit speaks volumes of club's declineHowever, the £43m man will likely be viewed as the better fit against a Brentford side who have proven they can expose Martinez's weaknesses.
The Bees have completed the most long passes in the Premier League this season (299), which the United No. 6 has struggled with in the campaign's early stages.
He has also struggled to defend crosses and react quickest to loose balls inside the box. But Brentford also rank first for successful crosses into the box (18).
Evans partnering with De Ligt wouldn't come as a surprise, but it would leave Martinez with a fight to regain his starting berth.
Lisandro Martinez could be toast after surprise Man Utd update ahead of Brentford
Lisandro Martinez could be toast after surprise Man Utd update ahead of Brentford
Lisandro Martinez could be toast after surprise Man Utd update ahead of Brentford
Lisandro Martinez could be toast after surprise Man Utd update ahead of Brentford
Lisandro Martinez could be toast after surprise Man Utd update ahead of Brentford
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