Rene Meulensteen has made a controversial claim regarding two of Manchester United’s first-team squad, as a replacement has been named.
Manchester United will be hungry for improvement during the second half of the Premier League season. Rúben Amorim’s dismissal, while more due to his post-Leeds United comments, is a sign that the current form won’t be accepted any longer.
Darren Fletcher took charge of the side for the first time against Burnley on Wednesday evening, and could also be in the dugout against Brighton in the FA Cup, although talks of a replacement until the end of the season have already begun.
The favourites for the position appear to be Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, but Ruud van Nistelrooy is also under consideration, as is Fletcher if he can impress during his interim stint.
No matter the head coach, United should be looking to be active in the January transfer window if they want to maintain a Champions League push for the second half of the season.
The Premier League performances have been better than last season, but it’s not difficult to overcome a 15th-place finish without any European football.
Meulensteen calls out defensive duo
Rene Meulensteen – former Fulham manager and Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant – has given his take on United’s current form, focusing on the defensive performances.
Lisandro Martínez returned to action in December and has since become crucial alongside Ayden Heaven, with Matthijs de Ligt out injured. Meulensteen, though, believes United can do better than the former Ajax defenders.
“Lisandro Martínez is constantly injured – Mathijis de Ligt, I think he’s not, in my opinion, as good as he has been. I mentioned he was heavy; I didn’t mean overweight, but not mobile enough.
“In terms of his potential, there is still vulnerability there. Marc Guehi would definitely bring some stability and good experience.”
Guehi could be available for very little in January, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, but United will face competition for his signature.
Martínez could return to midfield
Against Aston Villa, Martínez replaced Bruno Fernandes and played 45 minutes as a central midfielder, impressing many despite being alongside inconsistent Manuel Ugarte and young Jack Fletcher.
With United looking likely to return to a back four in the coming weeks, Martínez could return to central midfield due to United’s stacked defensive options.
Heaven is unlikely to be dropped, and United need a progressive option at the base of midfield – Martínez could be that man.
Casemiro and Ugarte both look set to leave Old Trafford, albeit at the end of the season, so trailing Martínez in midfield makes sense.
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