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Northern Irishman Jonny Evans could be called upon to play at left-back, amid the Man United defensive injury crisis.
Injuries were the story of Manchester United’s 2023/24 season. To Erikt en Hag’s credit, he ensured the lads managed to power through and end a disastrous season with a trophy.
This term has been a similar story. Premier League form has been poor, while the treatment table woes continue to mount – particularly defensively.
Now, ahead of the Brentford game, The Mirror have provided a somewhat worrying update on the left-back situation…
With Luke Shaw still out and Tyrell Malacia not ready to return, the situation was already precarious. Then, Noussair Mazraoui picked up an issue meaning he’s out for a few weeks, leaving ten Hag with a major dilemma.
Ten Hag is now ‘set to play’ veteran Jonny Evans as an emergency left-back vs Brentford, amid those injury issues.
The Northern Irishman was Man of the Match against Aston Villa last time out, putting in a sensational performance at the heart of defence. However, he could now be forced to slot into the left-back position which is far from ideal.
I don’t doubt that Evans would offer the required effort and experience to play the position, though he will not be able to bomb up and down the field like a typical left-back would. That creates its own problems as United would likely be pushed back and penned in down that side.
Unfortunately, Evans playing there is likely the only option with the current options available. It’s a dire situation for Ten Hag, who is already under massive pressure to turn things around if he wants to keep his job.
Do you think Jonny Evans is the best fit for the job? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.