The incoming manager has much to do and establishing a plan quickly will be a great test of his competence

Last season Erik ten Hag used 14 centre-back combinations thanks to injuries and form but he never seemed particularly happy with any of them. His former Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt was brought in over the summer with a view to partnering Lisandro Martínez, another who knew Ten Hag from Amsterdam, but he has underwhelmed. The problems were shown up in Porto when United drew 3-3, resulting in the manager changing the pair for Harry Maguire and the veteran Jonny Evans in a crucial match at Aston Villa. Rúben Amorim will also have Victor Lindelöf and Casemiro to increase options, which will be advantageous if he wants to change to his usual back three. Whatever happens, faith needs to be shown in those earmarked as first choice.