Man United duo who let Erik ten Hag down have earned their shot at Europa League redemption

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Erik ten Hag will have plenty of selection headaches when Manchester United face Fenerbahce.

Manchester United return to action on Thursday when they face Jose Mourinho‘s Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

The Red Devils have struggled in Europe so far and sit 21st in the Europa League table after back-to-back draws against Twente and Porto.

However, Erik ten Hag‘s side picked up a much-needed win against Brentford on Saturday afternoon to relieve some of the pressure on the Dutchman’s role as manager.

United trailed at half-time but responded emphatically with a second-half performance which was probably the brightest 45-minute spell so far this season.

Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez impress vs Brentford

Alejandro Garnacho was the standout performer as United beat Brentford 2-1, but there were several impressive displays across the lineup.

Especially at the back, where the defensive duo of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez impressed.

De Ligt won the respect of fans at Old Trafford by battling through his head injury and putting on a masterclass at the back.

As for Martinez, the Argentina international filled in superbly at left-back and was a huge part of United’s energetic pressing.

Man United duo earn shot at Europa League redemption

You only have to cast your mind back two weeks to the chaotic 3-3 draw against Porto to remember both De Ligt and Martinez getting hooked after a dreadful defensive display.

United had taken a 2-0 lead in Portugal but a lapse of concentration and too many individual errors at the back saw the Red Devils throw away their advantage.

De Ligt and Martinez let Ten Hag down with their horror show against Porto, especially at a time when the Dutchman was under intense scrutiny and was on the verge of being sacked.

Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire replaced them and looked much more composed at the back and Ten Hag now has a big decision to make ahead of Thursday evening.

De Ligt and Martinez have earned their shot at redemption in the Europa League, but they will have to show a big improvement on their performances against Porto.

De Ligt will be expected to keep his spot centrally, and Martinez could either partner him in the heart of defence or keep his spot at left-back after shining there against Brentford.