Erik ten Hag’s post-match comments suggest one man may now be a surprise first-team starter

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Erik ten Hag may have given away his current plans for the centre-back position after talking up Jonny Evans’ importance to the team.

Jonny Evans seemed to be struggling with a lower leg problem when he was taken off in the first half and Raphael Varane had to replace the 35-year-old but the Frenchman didn’t look as assured, with Paul Scholes questionning the defender after the game.

Relying on Jonny Evans this season is something that Erik ten Hag, and the United fanbase, were surely not expecting to happen but that is currently how the manager looks to see it.

Evans, alongside a rejuvenated Harry Maguire, have looked solid for the Red Devils but the pair may now be split up for the foreseeable due to the Northern Irishman’s injury.

Ten Hag on injury

Speaking to the media after the game, the Dutchman provided an update on the fitness of the defender and seemed to suggest United had more control of the game when he was on the pitch.

“I’m not sure in this moment. He has to come off,” Ten Hag said as the injury problems at Old Trafford continue.

“I think it was a pity because he was part of it from that good part in the game where we were controlling, very composed and calm, it’s the way I see my team.”

The Dutchman went on to say that he has good replacements in the team to call upon but it’s not a great indictment of where Varane is currently at in the manager’s thinking.

Varane’s frustration

It would not be surprising if Varane was indeed frustrated with the 53-year-old and the pair seemed a bit frosty towards each other when the former Real Madrid defender was summoned onto the pitch.

Whether the United fanbase agrees with Ten Hag or not, it seems the Dutchman now prefers Evans and when the experienced defender is fit, he will play. Varane did not play well when he came on either.

What this means for the future of the Frenchman is unclear but, according to CaughtOffside, the club have earmarked potential targets in defence with Jean-Clair Todibo the favourite to be brought in.