- Erik ten Hag has more central defenders available for Manchester City
- Injuries and poor form have plagued his backline in a dismal campaign
- IAN LADYMAN: Arsenal to win Premier League next season – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Erik ten Hag has admitted he is relieved that Manchester United’s ‘nightmare’ center back problems have subsided significantly on the eve of the FA Cup final.
United have been plagued by injuries at the back this season and at one stage they only had one fit centre-back to choose from.
In the 2-0 win over Brighton at the Amex Stadium, Ten Hag was able to give Lisandro Martinez his first start since February 4, while Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both got minutes off the bench.
In the hope that Harry Maguire will also be eligible to return in time for the showpiece at Wembley next week, Ten Hag eliminated a relieved man on Sunday evening.
‘Our center half position has been a nightmare all season!’ said Ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag claims his ‘nightmare’ centre-back problems have eased ahead of FA Cup final
Lisandro Martinez made his first start since February 4, while Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans got minutes off the bench against Brighton
“If you want results, a partnership between good central defenders is one of the foundations of a good team. [that].
‘I’m glad that we have something to choose from and that we of course have to think about the quality, but also about the condition, where is it? We’ll probably need more than two next week.’
Another dilemma for Ten Hag is how to line up against City as he operates a false-nine system, with £72million striker Rasmus Hojlund dropped to the bench for the past two games.
Hojlund came on against both Newcastle and Brighton and scored, leaving Ten Hag to make a decision on whether to stick to their guns with Bruno Fernandes up top.
‘It’s a luxury problem, isn’t it? I think both formations can be successful because, as you know, we can play the formation at the Etihad where we were a threat, I think, with movement towards the back.
‘But with Rasmus Hojlund in this form it is definitely a consideration and a thought we have to think about. Let’s have the thought.
‘I also want to say that in a final you not only need eleven players, a tough final, but also a bench.’
Hojlund, whose goal here made it 16 for the campaign, has more to come, Ten Hag emphasizes.
Man United will take on Man City in the FA Cup final, a repeat of last season’s match
Ten Hag has to think about what to do with Rsmus Hojlund, who scored sixteen goals this season
“It can always be better, but don’t forget he has had three injuries this season,” he said.
‘He came in with an injury, missed the start, then got injured before the winter and got an injury after the winter that disrupted his rhythm every time.
‘If you score sixteen goals in your first season, that’s okay and it’s not over yet. We have to play the FA Cup final.’
