Manchester United’s defensive struggles under Coach Erik ten Hag were on full display in their match against Crystal Palace. It was a surprise to witness the chaos and lack of stability in their defensive line, as they fielded their 14th central defensive pairing of the season.

Ten Hag has faced numerous challenges with injuries to his central defenders. The team has been plagued by changes and has lacked a consistent partnership at the heart of their defense. In contrast, Arsenal has used only three different central defensive pairings throughout the season.

One of the main factors contributing to the defensive instability is the unfortunate luck with the fitness of the central defenders. The signing of Jonny Evans as a backup player turned out to be crucial, as he has featured in a significant number of matches due to injuries to other defenders. The first-choice pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez has rarely been available together, highlighting the difficulties faced by Ten Hag.

Incredibly, players like Willy Kambwala, Luke Shaw, and Casemiro have been paired together in central defense, despite their lack of experience or suitability for the position. This chaotic situation has exposed the vulnerability of the team’s defense, resulting in poor performances and a high number of goals conceded.

While injuries have played a role, there are broader issues that need to be addressed. The recruitment of central defenders and training schedules may be contributing factors to the injury problems. Additionally, tactical issues and coaching responsibilities have come into question, as Man United has been too open defensively and allowed opponents to have numerous scoring opportunities.

The decision to field Casemiro as a central defender proved to be a mistake, as he struggled to cope with his defensive duties. He was consistently dribbled past by opponents, highlighting the lack of defensive skills in his repertoire. If Ten Hag had no other options, adjustments should have been made to mitigate the weakness and prevent exploitation.

The future of Ten Hag at the club may hinge on the team’s performance in the upcoming FA Cup final. The availability of Varane, Martinez, Lindelof, and Shaw for the final could provide a boost, but it also presents a challenge in terms of planning and coordination. The outcome of the final could determine Ten Hag’s fate as the coach of Manchester United.