Manchester United have turned extra corners than a Formulation One driver this season, having repeatedly produced an announcement efficiency to assist carry the temper round Outdated Trafford, solely to then meekly throw all of it away of their subsequent outing.
That was notably the case on the weekend, as two weeks on from the thrilling 4-3 win at house to rivals Liverpool within the FA Cup, the Crimson Devils all however ended any practical hopes of Champions League qualification away to a struggling Brentford aspect.
Mere moments away from what would have been a richly underserved smash-and-grab win on the Gtech, in true United trend the guests buckled on the loss of life, with Kristoffer Ajer heaping the scrutiny again on Erik ten Hag – for some now a ‘lifeless man strolling’ because the summer time looms.
For all of the tactical questions that may be requested of the previous Ajax boss, the Dutchman has actually not been helped by accidents all through this wretched marketing campaign, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s dismal 2/10 show – as dished out by Manchester Night Information journalist Samuel Luckhurst – as soon as once more laying the naked the problems at left-back.
With that in thoughts, this is a take a look at the ‘choices’ Ten Hag has at his disposal to fill that downside place, within the absences of each Luke Shaw and the forgotten Tyrell Malacia…
1
The Apparent Possibility
Diogo Dalot
Whereas Wan-Bissaka carried out admirably up towards Mohamed Salah only a fortnight in the past, his shortcomings as a makeshift left-back have been brutally uncovered on Saturday night time, having misplaced the ball on 12 events in what was a worrying efficiency.
It could then make sense to modify the previous Crystal Palace man to the plain flank transferring ahead, with Diogo Dalot arguably a greater or extra apparent choice to fit in on the left, having completed so on 35 events in his profession thus far.
Whereas presently shining on the fitting – having maybe emerged as Ten Hag’s ‘greatest participant’ of late – the Portuguese ace might signify considered one of few sensible alternate options to Shaw and Malacia, having scored in that left-sided position towards Wigan Athletic this season, in addition to towards Nottingham Forest final time period within the Premier League assembly on the Metropolis Floor.
2
The Tactical Tweak
Lisandro Martinez
Even with the current damage issues for Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane at centre-back, it might be time for Ten Hag to trial his returning “monster” Lisandro Martinez – as hailed by Shaw – at left-back, with the Argentine the one senior, left-footed defender obtainable on the membership at current.
The World Cup winner marked his return from an eight-week absence as a late substitute towards the Bees, albeit whereas enduring a tough cameo after failing to win a single duel after additionally being restricted to only 13 touches.
In want of minutes with a purpose to get totally again on top of things, deploying Martinez in that left-back berth might not be the worst concept, significantly contemplating his innate high quality on the ball, showcased by the truth that he ranks within the prime 6% amongst his European friends for cross completion throughout the final three hundred and sixty five days, as per FBref.
What additionally units the 5 foot 10 menace aside is his skill to hold the ball out from the again with ease, as proven by the truth that he additionally ranks within the prime 6% for profitable take-ons per 90 and within the prime 7% for assists, guaranteeing he might present an outlet down the left flank to help the likes of Marcus Rashford.
Taking the star centre-back away from the guts of the backline shouldn’t be preferrred, however at a time when wants should, Ten Hag has few different options…
3
The Wildcard Possibility
Harry Amass
At a time when 16-year-old Lamine Yamal is shining at Barcelona, maybe United might unleash their very own precocious teen within the type of Harry Amass, with the previous Watford starlet curring thriving within the youth ranks at left-back.
A daring name it might be to show to a participant who has solely simply turned 17, but Amass is already considered as “Luke Shaw’s successor” – in response to journalist Alex Turk – following a promising first six months or so in Manchester.
The England U17 worldwide has scored as soon as and offered three assists in 14 U18 Premier League video games in 2023/24 to this point, having additionally made his debut for the U21 aspect towards Middlesbrough again in early March.
Having seen the success of selling the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho of late – with a younger Rashford additionally as soon as benefitting from an damage disaster within the first-team – there might be worse concepts than handy Amass probability within the coming weeks.
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