Gary Neville has pinpointed a “big problem” for Manchester United ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
Erik ten Hag’s side returned to action for the first time in over a month against Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford got on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win and Steve Cooper ’s will provide the next test for Man United on December 27.
However, despite the comfortable-looking scoreline, Ten Hag was forced to field an unexpected partnership. Casemiro filled in at centre-back alongside Victor Lindelof and Forest could have the tools to take advantage of Man United’s new-look backline, according to Neville .
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Raphael Varane was injured in the World Cup final, while Lisandro Martinez was unavailable due to his involvement in the same game. Harry Maguire was also missing through illness and Neville believes his former side may be vulnerable when the top-flight resumes.
"They look like they’ve got a big problem at centre back. Martínez looks like he’s going to be at least a couple of weeks, Varane obviously he was injured and you don’t know when he’s going to come back, and if Harry Maguire’s ill they’re going to go potentially with a really weakened defence into those Premier League games,” Neville told Sky Sports.
"I think if they had been playing against a Premier League team tonight they would have been punished, so they’ve got to get some players back quickly."
Forest will join Man United in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after the Reds’ 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers. A Brennan Johnson brace and goals from Jesse Lingard and Taiwo Awoniyi booked Forest’s place in the next round, with the draw taking place on Thursday evening.
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