Erik ten Hag’s defensive choices are being called into question, and Rio Ferdinand has said he is shocked that Jonny Evans is now above Raphael Varane in the Manchester United hierarchy.
When Man Utd re-signed Evans, 35, on a short-term deal in the summer, it caused some controversy. The Centre back, who was a member of Manchester United’s senior team from 2006 to 2015, made an impression in his friendlies and was offered a one-year contract.
Evans has made eight appearances across all competitions so far this season, with six of those appearances occurring in the Premier League.
Harry Maguire and Evans have been Ten Hag’s center-half duo in recent weeks. After losing the captaincy throughout the summer, the latter has pushed his way back into Ten Hag’s plans.
The fact that Lisandro Martinez is sidelined until the new year due to a recurrent ailment justifies Man Utd’s choice to sign Evans on a temporary basis.
But Ten Hag’s decision to start Evans and Maguire instead of Varane has generated discussion. On 29 October, after the 3-0 derby loss to Manchester City, the Dutchman was questioned on his defensive lineup choice. In response, he added, “As I mentioned, I selected these relationships for tactical reasons. Harry and Jonny did well, in my opinion.
Harry didn’t play much last year, so I was pleased with Rapha’s performances. I’ve always been pleased with his work. However, there is internal rivalry and Harry is playing really well right now.
Ferdinand, who won six Premier League championships with Manchester United between 2002 and 2014, has expressed surprise that Varane was left off the team, given everything the Frenchman has accomplished in the league.
Rio Ferdinand is baffled by Ten Hag’s choice.
“We have no idea. In response to the question of whether Varane is prepared to play, Ferdinand stated on his Vibe with Five YouTube show, “You think he must be fit if he’s on the bench.”
I believe that if you’re on the bench, you can still play because you might need to replace an injured player in the first minute.
Accordingly, you’re fit [to play] if you’re mobile enough to travel and take the bench. I am therefore unsure of the cause.
However, I am aware that Varane is thinking things like, “I’ve come to Manchester United and Jonny Evans is starting in front of me! I’ve banged out five Champions League medals, I’ve played with the best players in the world, and my head is racing with scramblers!” when he wakes up.
“With all due respect, Evans.” There’s no way Varane ever considered Jonny Evans, no matter what he did. He wouldn’t have given Jonny Evans any thought.
After the international break, Varane might finally return to the Man Utd starting lineup. The Red Devils have revealed that Evans will miss “a few weeks” due to a thigh strain. Nevertheless, Ten Hag regards the Sweden international highly, thus Varane will still need to defeat Victor Lindelof to regain his place in the Man Utd starting lineup.