Erik ten Hag told to make defensive change as Man United star ‘getting off scot-free’ with mistakes

Manchester United have moved backwards defensively so far this season under Erik ten Hag, with 18 goals conceded in just 10 games.

Last term saw The Reds keep the most clean sheets in the Premier League whilst they finished in third place and won the Carabao Cup.

It was an excellent first season for Ten Hag but defensive troubles have been aplenty in the opening months of this campaign.

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Of course, United’s defensive trident of Casemiro, Raphaël Varane, and Lisandro Martínez has been interrupted.

The Brazilian defensive midfielder has struggled to find his defensive form despite being a threat going forward.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s two centre-backs have both had time on the sidelines due to injury, with the Argentine now being out of action for an extended period.

This has meant that Victor Lindelöf has started five games. He’s also played at least 45 minutes in United’s three other fixtures.

Lindelöf was one player who had many plaudits last season for his performances when coming into the team.

But former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino believes that the Sweden captain has been getting away with poor performances so far this term and suggests Harry Maguire has been unfairly treated in comparison and could come in if Lindelof does not improve.

“There were great strides made at United last year under Ten Hag, many, many players improved,” Cascarino told TalkSPORT.

“The team’s drop-off is extraordinary and yes they’ve had a number of injuries that have been an issue to deal with as well.

“We talked about the goal, I said the goal by Andersen was a great goal.

“Lindelof has been, I’d say, probably third choice [for Manchester United]. Obviously, Martínez before he got injured and Varane were the choice, but he’s going to be called on a lot this season.

“He’s got to be a better defender, he has got away with being… people go after [Harry] Maguire, Lindelöf has got off scot-free.

“There’s been a number of games I’ve watched Lindelöf where I’ve felt, ‘Do you know what? You haven’t covered yourself in glory there’, and yesterday was one of them, definitely for the goal.”

The next game comes in the Premier League against Brentford, with The Reds in need of a victory to help turn their season around.