Manchester United hopes could rely on keeping a controversial partnership

Erik ten Hag looked like he was treading on thin ice when the Manchester United line-up dropped at the weekend. In the end, he might have laid the solid foundations required to transform his fortunes.

The United manager has not been afraid of making big decisions during his spell in charge and the side that faced Fulham was further evidence that being a big name does not guarantee you a big role.

It will be fascinating to see what Ten Hag does in attack for the visit to Copenhagen tomorrow night, though his options could be limited depending on the fitness of Marcus Rashford.

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Alejandro Garnacho was good from the left but is still clearly raw. Facundo Pellistri was brilliant when he came on but is far more effective as an impact substitute. Rasmus Hojlund had little service in the attack and Antony was dreadful.

It might not be so complicated in defence, though. United's recent poor form has been underpinned by their unfortunate injury record, though their last three league wins have all featured the same centre-back pairing.

There are still very few who would actively choose to select Jonny Evans over Raphael Varane, but right now all Ten Hag wants is consistency, something he has had from Evans and Harry Maguire in central defence.

While it is obvious that Varane is the better footballer with a far more impressive honours list, United have found it hard to plan any long-term future with him when his injury record has been so alarming.

The World Cup winner has missed 38 matches through illness or injury since he joined the club, equating to nearly an entire season's worth of