Manchester United Are Beginning To Assemble The Strong Spine Fans Deserve To See

Manchester United came away with a draw at Stamford Bridge last weekend against Chelsea, in what has been an impressive last seven days filled with competitive fixtures.

While the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford versus Newcastle United the previous Sunday was a non-event, the three points picked up against Tottenham Hotspur midweek signalled an improvement of performances and was the team’s best to date under Erik Ten Hag.

The most significant change since the Dutch manager has come in and stamped his authority on the club is the creation of a strong spine throughout the team. Especially in defence.

Too many years have passed where Manchester United have been flagging in the wind in the centre of the pitch – placing round pegs in square holes and hoping it will be enough to get by.

But with the introduction and signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid for £60 million, Manchester United’s midfield finally looks sturdy and reliable. The Brazil international, once again, showed his absolute quality against Tottenham and Chelsea respectively, mopping up play in front of him and quickly punching the ball into United’s creative players.

It is a complete contrast to least season, where the Red Devils’ midfield were getting passed by each game as if they were not there. Manchester United fans have watched for too many seasons now the lack of an authoritarian defensive midfielder who can control games for the team.

Along with the introduction of Casemiro, new signing Lisandro Martinez, in central defence, has been a revelation. Criticised for being shorter than the average centre back at under six foot tall, the Argentina international has performed at the highest of levels since coming into the team.

It is easy to forget the adaption period that Casemiro and Martinez have overcome in such a short space of time, having never played in England previously and a loose understanding of the language. Two world class professionals have joined an underperforming team and started to make them tick.

Ten Hag has a clear preference on who he likes to partner Martinez with in defence: Raphael Varane. While injuries have permitted the Frenchman from starting week in week out for a sustained period of time – and he finds himself fighting for his World Cup position now after picking up another injury – he is a Rolls-Royce of a defender when firing on all cylinders.

Varane’s composure and all-round dominance of his attacking opposition has been noted, as well as the speed that he covers the ground to help out a more advanced Diogo Dalot.

Partnered with Martinez, with Casemiro sitting in front of them, Manchester United have a spine that can challenge on all fronts against any opposition. The difficulty will not only be keeping Varane fit on a more regular basis and away from the treatment table, but to also have suitable depth to come in and not disrupt the team’s flow.

Victor Lindelöf has filled in on several occasions this season and, so far, performed at a level befitting of the player he is. Fans have noticed and appreciated his on-the-ball qualities, which is similar to the characteristics that Martinez possesses.

With Varane out injured until post-World Cup, Lindelöf will be expected to slot in on a more regular basis, especially with Harry Maguire coming back from injury and wildly out of form.

If Manchester United can continue building out the spine of the team with a natural goal-scoring centre forward, they soon will be a force to be reckoned with under Ten Hag.