Erik Ten Hag makes big decision on Harry Maguire over a spot in the XI against Liverpool tonight.
After pairing the center-backs in training last week, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is planning to start Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez tonight against Liverpool, with captain Harry Maguire likely to drop to the bench.
After losing to Brentford and Brighton to start the season, United will look to pick up their first points of the year. Ten Hag is already under fire after just two games in his new position.
On their first game under their new head coach at Old Trafford, the Red Devils were defeated 2-1 by Graham Potter’s team. At Brentford, they then conceded four goals in the space of 35 minutes.
Martinez, a new defense recruit, struggled in both defeats, especially in the four-goal thrashing by a spirited Bees team who took advantage of his 5′ 9″ size and outmuscled him that day.
Because of his height, many have questioned if the £57 million acquisition is tall enough to play center-back in the Premier League.
However, Sportsmail has learned that Ten Hag will start Martinez and Varane at center defense against Liverpool having practising with the two there last week.
Maguire, who has also received criticism following United’s opening two losses, is therefore set to sit on the bench this evening at Old Trafford.
Since Ten Hag’s arrival, the England international has come under intense scrutiny from Red Devils supporters, with some even asking for his dismissal as captain.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman was insistent in preseason that Maguire was one of the first names on his team sheet despite the addition of Martinez.
Ten Hag stated, “We bring [Martinez] in to strengthen the team, not the squad. Is Maguire a top pick? I believe he is.
He has demonstrated this in the past, but he must also demonstrate it now and in the future.
How many times has he played? 60 times in favor of England? I have high hopes for him because of his great professional background.
