The case for the defence

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Harry Maguire is the latest United player to declare an injury. There have, almost unbelievably, been over 60 separate injuries that have affected United's first team squad this season. This has resulted in (and I haven't checked this) over 25 different centre half pairings.

In his interview with Gary Neville, Ten Hag rightly focuses on this, highlighting how the injuries to Martinez and Shaw in particular have hampered his teams style of play from the back.

United travel to Crystal Palace tonight and are looking likely to start Casemiro and Evans in the centre of defence. Palace have pace and power in their team and they will relish the prospect of running at that ageing duo.

Palace away is always a difficult game, particularly on a Monday night! It's not the easiest place to get to, especially for supporters travelling down from Manchester. Their recent home record includes defeats of West Ham and Newcastle, they will be up for it.

United will begin the game in 8th position and I fear that is where we will finish the season. In addition to tonight's difficult fixture, United then have a double header with Arsenal and Newcastle at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Chelsea are currently rampant!

Ten Hag makes a great point in his interview with Gary Neville; our defensive record last season (a few games excepted!) was pretty good. United kept 17 clean sheets last season!

Martinez excelled and brought steel, soul and leadership to the defence. Shaw looked world class - both have been absent for most of the 2023/24 season. 

So ... is it any wonder that United have looked a little disjointed this season?!


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