Erik ten Hag explains Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez decision ahead of Man United vs Leeds

Manchester United travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United for the second time in five days as Erik ten Hag changes up his backline for the fixture.

The astute partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will be watching on from the sidelines in this Premier League match. They have helped turn the defensive performance at Old Trafford around this season.

Instead, Harry Maguire returns to the heart of United’s defence alongside Luke Shaw, who has found himself excelling in an unfamiliar centre-back role when called upon this season. Tyrell Malacia comes into the side at left-back too.

With the first leg of the Europa League knockout clash against Barcelona coming up next week, Ten Hag is subconsiously preparing for that encounter.

Martinez will not be available for the encounter in Spain and Shaw could very well need a game in the centre to prepare for a bout against one of the elite strikers in football in Robert Lewandowski.

Meanwhile, Varane had started three games in a week previously and will be crucial against the Spanish side.

Tactically, Maguire’s different approach to Varane could also be reason for him starting this time around, after the Frenchman was targetted in the press last time out.

“Rotation is one part of it,” Ten Hag told MUTV. “We have a lot of games to cover, a lot of games ahead as well. The other part is also tactics.

“They know each other, they also know the game and rivalry. They have to projecr that on the whole team, so I expect leadership from them.”

Jadon Sancho also returns to the starting line-up for the first time since October. He scored in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford earlier this week after coming off the bench.

“I think when Jadon Sancho is in a good place, he always has to start,” added the Dutch manager. “He is a magnificant player when he is good, and it is up to him, then he will contribute to our team in our creative planning.”

United drew 2-2 with The Whites last time out after going two goals down. Ten Hag will be focused on his team securing three points after some favourable results happening this weekend.

However, playing away at Elland Road is never easy and Ten Hag appreciates the atmosphere there. Yet, he believes his team are able to deal with the hostility.

“I think we are ready,” he continued. “We have experienced it all season, everywhere we come. I think it’s normal, but I am looking forward [to it] becayse it inspires and motivates you even more.”