In recent matches of Man United, Erik ten Hag often used Harry Maguire to pair up with Jonny Evans or Victor Lindelof. The Dutch strategist has made Raphael Varane the final priority choice for the center-back position.
Varane has won many titles in his career, notably 4 Champions League and 2018 World Cup trophies. In the previous 2 seasons, the French midfielder still played a pivotal role in the Old Trafford team. However, he gradually lost his position after injuries. In addition, Ten Hag also made strict demands on the left-sided centre-back position.
The Man United captain has been determined to sign Lisandro Martinez in the summer of 2022 with the aim of having a left-footed centre-back in the squad. Immediately, the Argentine player became an irreplaceable factor in defense.
Ten Hag has always wanted consistency in each position. The left-sided centre-back should be played by a left-footed player. This will help them receive the ball well and create more open passing angles. Ten Hag hopes to have these two aspects to serve the plan to deploy the ball from the home field.
In the 2022-2023 campaign, Ten Hag prioritized choosing Lindelof as a left-back over Maguire. The Dutch strategist gave an example of a right-footed player having difficulty in changing posture when the opponent turns the left wing. In addition, playing with the wrong foot will prevent the ball from being decisive.
If the players are fit to play, Man United will prioritize using Lisandro Martinez in the left-sided centre-back position. Next, Jonny Evans came in 2nd with the ability to comfortably use both feet. In addition, Lindelof can also play in this position despite being right-footed.
Ten Hag's desire to use right-footed players for the left-back position has caused Maguire difficulties last season. The England star often has to sit on the bench to make way for Varane. It was only when Varane was injured that Maguire had the opportunity to show himself and was gaining the trust of Ten Hag.
Now, Varane's presence in the right-back position is becoming a problem. The 2018 World Cup champion still did well in defense but was not good at distributing and advancing the ball. Varane often makes cross-court passes, which creates certain risks.
opponents all knew the French centre-back was often cautious in passing, so they approached Varane as soon as he received the ball. Varane's weakness in ball possession has become even more dangerous during Casemiro's decline in form. Currently, Man United does not have a midfielder who is capable of escaping the pressing and quickly bringing the ball up to the attack. Therefore, Man United defenders need to create space and upgrade the way they deploy the ball.
With Varane often on the bench recently, Ten hag has been asked if there are any internal problems with the team. The Dutch strategist said: "Absolutely not. That is my own tactical reason. Maguire and Evans are doing well. As for Varane, I am always satisfied with his performance. However, Maguire is playing to meet the coaching staff's requirements and create competition within the team."
The fact that an excellent central defender has to sit on the bench has created many mixed opinions. However, Ten Hag is showing that his choice is well-founded. To be able to return to the squad in the near future, Varane must make changes when given the opportunity.
