The defensive pair performed admirably together in the first half, effectively thwarting Brentford’s attempts to score against Andre Onana’s goal.
Varane’s dominance in aerial duels was particularly impressive, demonstrating his ability to nullify Brentford’s threat from set pieces.
However, Varane’s impactful presence on the field was cut short when he was substituted at halftime after colliding with Ivan Toney.
A crucial moment occurred when Varane made a vital tackle to prevent Brentford’s striker from scoring, but he suffered a physical setback during the play.
Harry Maguire replaced the French defender to strengthen Manchester United’s defense.
The team’s defensive challenges increased further when Lindelof was forced off the field around the 67th minute due to injury.
The Swedish defender appeared to sustain a hamstring injury without contact from opponents while in his own penalty area.
Lindelof’s visible discomfort and inability to continue resulted in his immediate substitution, with Lisandro Martinez taking his place.
Reporter Steven Railston noted Lindelof limping as he left Brentford’s stadium, raising concerns about the defender’s fitness.
While news of Varane’s injury may offer some hope, worries about Lindelof’s condition are likely to mount among the fanbase.
Manager Erik ten Hag has grappled with the absence of key defensive players due to injuries throughout the season.
Currently, the options for center-back selection are limited, with Martinez, Maguire, and Willy Kambwala being the only fully fit choices.
The absence of Jonny Evans from the matchday squad indicates that he is still in the recovery phase from injury, highlighting the defensive challenges confronting Manchester United.
Raphael Varane just told me his injury is βnot too bad,β as he left the ground #mufc
— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) March 30, 2024
