Erik Ten Hag Hints At Preferred Manchester United Centre-Back Partnership

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may have just hinted at his preferred center back partnership heading into the new season, singing the praises of Harry Maguire and new signing Lisandro Martinez.

Ten Hag has been speaking with the media in the build up to the third fixture of the Reds’ pre-season – a clash with Crystal Palace in Melbourne.

In conversation, the United boss was inevitably asked about new signings, Christian Eriksen and Martinez, and subsequently, what the pecking order at the heart of his defence will now look like with the acquisition of the Argentine.

Martinez is known to have played and done a job for Ten Hag in central midfield in the past, but the Dutch manager made it quite clear that the 24-year-old will be utilized at the back at Old Trafford.

“We bring him in not to strengthen the squad, but the team,” Ten Hag said. “He’s not the tallest but he is quite good in the air. I feel comfortable with that. Of course, you need the right balance. He has good timing. I think he will fit really good with United and the way we play.”

The Argentina international is better equipped than most to execute Ten Hag’s footballing philosophy. Martinez excelled under the 52-year-old at Ajax last season and became one of the hottest properties in European football when it comes to defenders.

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Standing at 5’9”, many question Martinez’s fit for the role in the physically demanding Premier League. However, Ten Hag is not worried. Martinez had excellent aerial duel statistics last season, including a dominant performance against Erling Haaland – one of the world’s most lethal goal getters – in the Champions League. 

Ten Hag likes many things that Martinez brings to the table. The new United boss also revealed that he studied United’s back line extensively which helped him determine the £48.5 million man to be the right fit.

“I analyzed United last year in the left part of the defence,” Ten Hag said. “He [Martinez] is left footed and that is an advantage in possession and defending. He also brings what I call a South American spirit, aggressiveness, and control. He’s a warrior.”

Nicknamed “The Butcher of Amsterdam” following his defensive displays in the Eredivisie, Martinez seems like the profile of player that United has desperately needed on paper. A natural born leader full of charisma, passion, and temperament.

Ten Hag’s words all but hinted at the Argentine being one of the first names on his team sheet come August, when United will be preparing to face Brighton to inaugurate the new season in the English top flight. But who will line up alongside the new addition?

Well, if we are to continue reading into what Ten Hag has been saying – it looks like it may well be the captain, Harry Maguire.

The former Ajax manager has been full of praise when speaking about United’s No. 5. Ten Hag has complimented Maguire’s character and abilities. He figures to be an important part of his new look United team next season. However, the boss never forgets to stress that nobody’s place is guaranteed.

When asked about whether Maguire will be a first-choice starter, Ten Hag said: “I think he is. He’s proved it in the past, but he also has to prove it in the present time and in the future. He is impressive, and I expect a lot from him but there is also internal competition and that is what a club like United needs.”

Martinez is set to link up with his teammates upon United’s return to Carrington next week. The Reds still have another game to play in Australia after Palace when they face Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa in Perth.

With the Argentine’s arrival, the heat in the competition for places at the back has been taken up a notch.

Eric Bailly has emerged as one of the pre-season standouts so far, meaning United currently have five centre backs contending for two spots in the team with Victor Lindelöf and Raphael Varane also keen to play. There are also two more in Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe waiting in reserve – be it for a move away or an opportunity.

That is not a bad problem to have for Ten Hag, but you’d figure two or three defenders will hit the exit door before the season commences. In theory, four serviceable centre backs is the perfect number.

Ten Hag continues to emphasize the importance of a captain in building a strong team. The United manager of course reaffirmed Maguire as the skipper for next season last week. That alone suggests that Maguire will be the one to get the nod to start the new season.

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“I will support him everywhere I can,” Ten Hag said. “In the end, he has to do it by himself, and he has the qualities to do it. He has shown it so often in the past. I always see the captaincy as an issue that I dictate. Team building for me is an important point and I always talk about a group of leaders. The captain is a really important one and I’m happy with him.”

It remains to be seen whether Maguire will continue to be as undroppable under Ten Hag as he was under previous managers. 

Though it looks increasingly like the skipper will lead United out of the Old Trafford tunnel in just a few weeks’ time, the challenges in training from someone like Varane will undoubtedly be tough to fend off.

It would not be a reach to assume that Varane did not come to Old Trafford to sit on the bench, though a place in the side must be earned not given. If the decorated Frenchman can stay healthy, the battle for places in United’s back line will get very interesting.

Nonetheless, United finally have a center back department worth bragging about once again and Ten Hag a selection headache that he will not be complaining about.