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Evans Ten HagGetty
Richard Martin

'Jonny Evans at left-back?!' Man Utd fans mystified by Erik ten Hag's line-up for Brentford clash as THREE centre-backs start

Manchester United
Premier League
J. Evans
E. ten Hag
Manchester United vs Brentford
Match

Jonny Evans was named in a makeshift Manchester United back four containing three centre-backs against Brentford - provoking howls of derision online.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Three CBs in starting XI
  • Evans or Martinez to play at LB
  • Ten Hag under pressure to get a win
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  • FBL-ENG-PR-BURNLEY-MAN UTDAFP

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Erik ten Hag had to scramble together a defence against the Bees due to the absences of Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, leaving fans guessing as to who would be playing at left-back.

  • WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

    United fan TerfaTG wrote on X: "No Amad. No party. That front three don’t hold the ball up enough. The manager never learns."

    Utdcynical concluded that 36-year-old Evans was drafted in as an emergency full-back. "Jonny Evans at left back" they wrote, with two crying emojis.

    Fellow Red Devils' supporter Utdjacobi_ wrote: "What did Harry Amass do to offend Erik ten Hag?"

    Another dismayed supporter, bayonuels, added: "This line up confirms that ten Hag is too scared to be dynamic. Possibly Martinez playing in left back when we can play 3 at the back with high flying wing backs or even be more daring and pair Zirkzee with Hojlund in a 4-4-2. Anyways, all the best to the team!"

    The official account of the Northern Ireland team was pleased to see their former international Evans included in the team. "Evans masterclass pending," they wrote.

  • Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD2Getty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Ten Hag desperately needs a victory to ease the pressure on him after United won just two of their opening seven Premier League games, heading into the game in 13th in the table. He survived the international break, during which England appointed Thomas Tuchel, who was a serious candidate to replace the Dutchman in the summer.

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  • WHAT NEXT?

    Brentford boss Thomas Frank is admired by INEOS and is also believed to have spoken to United. And if the Dane can mastermind another victory over the Red Devils after the 4-0 battering in Ten Hag's debut campaign, his chances of eventually taking over at Old Trafford will rise.

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31 Oct 2026

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