It now appears improbable that Manchester United will manage to slip into the top four and earn a Champions League spot.

The match against Brentford last Saturday was a great chance to gather some momentum heading into the latter stretch of the season, but a late equaliser dashed hopes.

The Erik Ten Hag Profile Erik ten Hag is under constant strain because of his position’s scrutiny and the fact that his best centre defender, Lisandro Martinez, just suffered an injury that has come at an inopportune moment.

The Argentine, who had been sidelined for about two months owing to a knee ailment, is expected to miss up to a month of activity because of a calf problem.

However, in light of the most recent information, let’s examine three candidates Ten Hag might use in place of the World Cup-winning defence.

1 The Clearly Better Choice Harry MaguireUnited Kambwala Premier League / Maguire Man When Harry Maguire was pulled off early for England against Brazil, the Dutch manager probably thought the worst, but fortunately, the injury is now behind him. The former captain of United was healthy enough to start against the Bees on the bench, and after Raphael Varane took a hit at halftime, he was brought in.

Maguire’s inclusion in the starting eleven is virtually assured due to the injuries at centre half, which is extremely advantageous for United.

The former Leicester City player put on one of his best games of the year against Fulham in his most recent start, scoring two goals, making two crucial passes, and clearing five obstacles. The Tactical Adjustment CasemiroManchester United Premier League casemiro Ten Hag has experimented with starting Casemiro at centre half in the past, though this is perhaps the least likely of the three options.

The defensive midfielder by trade was used in the middle of the back line with Victor Lindelof during United’s EFL Cup match against Burnley last season, and he did well. Burnley vs. Casemiro Statistics Casemiro Verifications 4 obstructed shots 2.

Feels 125 completed passes 90 Duels prevailed. 3/4 Through Sofascore The Red Devils won the game and the possession stats, but as the table above shows, the former Real Madrid player was excellent both with and without the ball.

The Brazilian, who has been dribbled past 2.2 times per game in the league, has struggled at times this season in midfield. However, by switching to centre back, the approach could help him become the “monster” that journalist Muhammad Butt once referred to him as. 3. Using a Wildcard Willy KambwalaManchester United’s Willy Kambwala The youthful Willy Kambwala, who has played a significant role in the first-team squad this season, is Ten Hag’s last possible choice. Despite being just 19 years old, the young defender has already made four appearances in the Premier League, including his first start of the year against West Ham United. Although Kambwala is a dynamic defender who is at ease with the ball—as evidenced by his debut performance of 95 touches and 90% accuracy—his inexperience will probably keep him off the pitch. Ten Hag will be surrounded by experience if he chooses to trust the gifted Frenchman, though, and it will greatly aid him in winning the tie. In any case, Ten Hag will regret pushing Martinez back into the lineup given the importance of this week’s matches against Liverpool and Chelsea. All three choices are far from ideal.