Key Erik ten Hag transfer decision proven right as Man Utd injuries pile up

A key transfer decision made by Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been proven to be a masterstroke as the club's injury issues pile up.

United are currently without key centre-back duo Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez through injury, after both were forced off during Thursday's 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Europa League.

The club later confirmed that Martinez has fractured a metatarsal bone, and will miss the rest of the season. Varane, meanwhile, is expected to be out 'for a few weeks'.

Their absences add to United's significant injury list, with Alejandro Garnacho, Donny van de Beek and Marcus Rashford all currently out of action.

It is likely that the pairing of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will slot in at centre-back to replace Varane and Martinez - meaning a decision made by manager Ten Hag in January has certainly paid off.

Ten Hag Man Utd decision proven correct

In January, Maguire attracted interest from some of Europe's top clubs, with his position at United looking uncertain.

A loan bid reportedly came in from Inter Milan, with the proposed deal to run until the end of this season. However, as per The Sun, Ten Hag blocked any exit for the United captain, and promised to give him more first team opportunities.

The England star has had to bide his time for an opportunity, but did receive it when he was awarded with a start for last weekend's 2-0 win over Everton.

And he was praised by his manager for his display during the match, with Ten Hag stating: "This is a different Harry to what I've seen in the first weeks and months.

"He's taking so much initiative, dominating his opponent, stepping in, bringing passes. So a really great performance."

And with the centre-back likely to play a key part in United's run-in, the club will hope he can carry that form into the upcoming games as they continue to battle on three fronts this season.

Had Ten Hag allowed the defender to leave, they could have been left even shorter in central defence, which would have meant either one player starting out of position or bringing in an untested young player.

As well as competing to finish in the top four places in the Premier League, they also still remain with a chance of winning both the FA Cup and Europa League, to add to the Carabao Cup they lifted by beating Newcastle at Wembley in February.

Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.