Erik ten Hag poised to make shock tactical change against Brentford, could be a huge mistake | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is prepared to play Jonny Evans as an emergency left-back in Saturday’s must-win game against Brentford in the Premier League.

The Red Devils have had a dismal start to the top-flight campaign, picking up only eight points from a possible 21. The club are 14th in the standings.

United welcome the Bees to Old Trafford this weekend, and the game could be make-or-break for Ten Hag, who is under immense pressure after a poor run of results.

The club are winless in the last five outings in all competitions. Ahead of the fixture, the Mirror reports that Ten Hag could have a surprise in store in the left-back spot.

With Noussair Mazraoui absent after a minor heart procedure, Diogo Dalot could move to his customary right-back role with Jonny Evans on the left.

Evans was United’s man of the match versus Aston Villa before the international break. The 36-year-old was brilliant in central defence, winning 11 duels and four tackles.

Despite this, Ten Hag seems to be considering the veteran for the left-back role against the Bees. Evans has previously featured 23 times in his career from the position.

This could see Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez start in the heart of the backline.

Ten Hag flirting with danger with Evans decision

Ten Hag has received backing from the hierarchy over recent months, but he could be sacked if United fail to beat Thomas Frank’s side on Saturday afternoon.

With this in mind, the manager is probably flirting with danger with his plan for Evans. The Northern Irishman is strong when it comes to aerial duels, but he lacks mobility.

Bryan Mbeumo has been in exemplary form for the Bees, bagging six goals in seven league games this season. He could dominate Evans with his dribbling skills and direct running.

It won’t be a good sight to watch. An alternative choice would be to play Martinez, but he has also looked uncomfortable at left back.

The best choice could be to stick with Victor Lindelof at right-back, with Dalot continuing on the left.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.

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