Manchester United appear to have rediscovered their famous never-give-up attitude under Erik ten Hag with the club salvaging points from the jaws of defeat in the last four games.
This was supposed to be a crucial week for the Red Devils with games against two members of the top four – Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea – along with a daunting test against Newcastle United in form.
The Varane-Martínez duo drives United
United did not lose a single game, taking five points from a possible nine. Ten Hag’s philosophy is starting to take shape as United dominated possession in all three games and had most of the chances.
The lack of ruthlessness up front cost the team, but their defense was a particular highlight.
United kept two clean sheets and would have kept a third were it not for a clumsy foul by substitute Scott McTominay that saw the referee award Chelsea a penalty.
Ten Hag has found his ideal defensive partner in the form of Lisandro Martínez and Raphael Varane. Each time the duo have started, United have looked much more confident and have only lost once in the league.
And former United defender Rio Ferdinand admitted he felt Varane’s absence would be a huge blow to the Red Devils.
Raphaël Varane should be out for three to four weeks. See the results of the MRI as positive. He will not play in the #mufc before the World Cup [@LaurensJulien]
— utdreport (@utdreport) October 23, 2022
He praised new recruit Martinez but also admitted that Varane’s skill set was difficult to replace with the existing options at the Dutch manager’s disposal.
For United’s sake, it is imperative that the duo reunite soon. Based on current forecasts, it seems that the French defender will be available to play for the Red Devils only after the World Cup.
“Martinez has been the best this season, but Varane gives us something different, that speed, that experience and physicality,” Ferdinand said on his Five YouTube channel. “I think it could be a big loss.
“You need them both [Varane and Martinez] together again. We have seen immediately that those two together make us a different team, it is that simple.
Can United manage without Varane?
The legendary defender, while assessing United’s chances in the weeks remaining before the Qatar final, added that Victor Lindelof was capable of doing some work in the meantime, but hopefully it won’t be for long.
The Swede is currently the only fit centre-back left at United and club captain Harry Maguire is yet to return to full fitness.
“It seems to me that it is not going to be Harry Maguire who enters now,” added Ferdinand. “Looks like he’s going to be [Victor] Lindelof.
“Lindelof is decent, I think he will come in and do a job, it just depends on how long he is asked to do that job,” Ferdinand explained.
United have a total of six games before the World Cup, with three league games, two Europa League games and an EFL Cup tie to contend with.
Ten Hag hopes his makeshift defensive pairing can get the job done in the World Cup-winning defender’s absence.
