The defensive duo performed admirably in tandem during the first half, effectively thwarting Brentford’s attempts to breach Andre Onana’s goal.
Particularly noteworthy was Varane’s dominance in aerial duels, showcasing his prowess in neutralizing Brentford’s threat from set pieces.
However, Varane’s impactful presence on the field was cut short when he was substituted at halftime following a collision with Ivan Toney.
A crucial moment arose when Varane executed a vital tackle to deny Brentford’s striker a clear scoring opportunity, but it came at a cost as he suffered a physical setback during the intervention.
Harry Maguire replaced the French defender to shore up Manchester United’s defense.
The team’s defensive woes compounded further when Lindelof was forced off the pitch around the 67th-minute mark due to injury.
The Swedish defender appeared to sustain a hamstring injury without any contact from opponents while inside his own penalty area.
Lindelof’s visible discomfort and inability to continue led to his immediate substitution, with Lisandro Martinez taking his place on the field.
Reporter Steven Railston observed Lindelof limping as he left Brentford’s stadium, signaling potential concern for the defender’s fitness.
While the news regarding Varane’s injury may offer a glimmer of hope, apprehension regarding Lindelof’s condition is likely to grow among the fanbase.
Throughout the season, manager Erik ten Hag has grappled with the absence of key defensive players due to injuries.
Presently, the available center-back options for selection are limited, with Martinez, Maguire, and Willy Kambwala being the only fully fit options.
The absence of Jonny Evans from the matchday squad suggests that he is still in the recovery phase from injury, further highlighting the defensive challenges facing Manchester United.
Raphael Varane just told me his injury is “not too bad,” as he left the ground #mufc
— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) March 30, 2024
