Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has three options vs Liverpool if he drops captain Harry Maguire

ten Hag slams 'naive' Man Utd after defeat to Brentford

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Erik ten Hag is reportedly considering dropping captain Harry Maguire when Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night. Maguire has started both of United’s Premier League games this season – 2-1 and 4-0 defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, respectively – and Ten Hag seems ready to make a change.

Raphael Varane has been waiting in the wings while returning to full fitness and is now set to replace Maguire in the Dutchman’s defence. Express Sport runs through three centre-back partnerships he could field when looking to halt the Red Devils’ disastrous start to his reign against one of Europe’s most fierce attacks.

Raphael Varane x Lisandro Martinez

If Maguire drops out, Varane is nailed on to start in the heart of the defence if he’s back to prime condition. And despite being hooked at half-time at Brentford after being targeted aerially, Martinez should keep his place alongside the Frenchman.

The £57million star has been the subject of concerns surrounding his height in a physical competition like the Premier League. But Ten Hag will be keen for him to settle into his new surroundings as quickly as possible, and there are not many tougher tests than Liverpool.

JUST IN: What Ferguson and Van Nistelrooy discussed amid Gakpo rumours

Raphael Varane x Eric Bailly

Victor Lindelof has missed out on a place in the matchday squad for United’s first two games of the season. If he’s still unavailable after the nine-day gap between Brentford and Liverpool, the door could open for Eric Bailly to get a surprise run-out.

After his early withdrawal last time out, Martinez could join Maguire in being dropped to form a fully-rotated partnership. And the Ivorian could get a final chance to battle for his place in Ten Hag’s plans amid growing speculation over his future at Old Trafford.

Eric Bailly x Lisandro Martinez

It’d be surprising to see Bailly get the nod over Varane, given United’s reported desire to sell him this summer. However, Lindelof’s absence makes Bailly the Red Devils’ fourth-choice central defender, which he could profit from on Monday.

The prospect of a hard-hitting duo including Martinez is enticing. Darwin Nunez’s suspension makes Jurgen Klopp’s likely front three: Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino. So the Argentine’s height shouldn’t prove to be much of a disadvantage in open play, with his ability to read the game likely to be far more important on this occasion.

Click HERE to buy the new Man Utd home shirt

Source: Read Full Article