Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thinks Man Utd have a dodgy double act as Nottingham Forest loom
Manchester United lock horns with Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof expected to start in the absences of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag previews the Nottingham Forest game
For most of his Manchester United reign, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stuck with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire as his first-choice centre-back pairing. However, in the summer of 2021, he opted to land Raphael Varane due to doubts over the duo. Now, as Erik ten Hag prepares for Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest, they’re primed to step up.
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But Solskjaer always had faith in Lindelof and Maguire to produce the goods, with the duo helping United finish second in the Premier League table just two years ago.
However, in the summer of 2021, the 50-year-old then performed a U-turn.
Though he never considered selling either player, he finally acknowledged they weren’t good enough for United to challenge for the biggest and best prizes on offer.
His faith in Maguire never waned, but he did harbour doubts over Lindelof and his suitability to his system.
Solskjaer probed a deal for Pau Torres that summer, with reports suggesting the Red Devils were really keen to acquire the Spain international.
Man Utd hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had doubts over Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire (Image: GETTY)
And Varane will be out for a few weeks, too.
United confirmed the news regarding the pair by saying: “Lisandro Martínez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot.
“However, the Argentinian defender is expected to make a full recovery in time to be ready for the start of next season.
“Lisandro’s defensive partner Raphaël Varane was substituted with an injury at half-time in the same game and is expected to be out for a few weeks.
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Man Utd signed Raphael Varane because of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer concerns (Image: GETTY)
“Everyone at Manchester United sends Lisandro and Rapha our best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
Solskjaer knew Lindelof and Maguire could be dodgy at times, hence his decision to land Varane.
Now, the onus is on the United duo to step up and rise to the occasion in the absence of Ten Hag’s main centre-back axis.
And whether they can help United finish in the top four, and complete a cup treble, remains to be seen.