The preferred Manchester United starting XI of Erik ten Hag is beginning to take shape, and the recent victories have only served to emphasize the significance of the Dutchman’s key starters.
United lost four points as a result of Anthony Martial’s absence against Crystal Palace and Arsenal. Without Casemiro, Mikel Arteta’s team easily penetrated their midfield. Although Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been doing well lately, United may have benefited from Diogo Dalot’s poise in possession at the Emirates.
The former Ajax coach obviously needs more choices for his team, but it’s amazing how quickly he’s found Carrington players that fit his style. Expectedly, this has also resulted in certain high-profile signings made by Ten Hag’s predecessors receiving less playing time.
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At left center-back, Lisandro Martinez has taken the place of Harry Maguire, who was the record signing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and still serves as captain. Under the new management, the McFred midfield duo has made few starts despite playing well in some memorable victories for the Norwegian.
In his two full seasons as manager, Maguire and Scott McTominay were among Solskjaer’s favorites and helped United to third and second-place finishes. On the other hand, if Ten Hag has his way, the pair might leave Old Trafford in the summer.
TalkSPORT reports that when the season is over, United will be willing to sell both Maguire and McTominay.
West Ham has expressed interest in the England international this month, and Southampton and Newcastle have also expressed interest in the Scottish midfielder. United, though, plans to keep both players for the rest of the campaign.
Ten Hag is hesitant to deteriorate an already thin group because his team is still involved in four competitions and he feels both players can contribute this year.
The 52-year-old announced on Tuesday that United will be missing Martial, Dalot, and Jadon Sancho for the League Cup semifinal first-leg match at Nottingham Forest.