United's Squad Balance and the Left-Side Dilemma
A look through the squad shows decent coverage in places, but clear uncertainty on the left and a few key depth gaps. Left-back, centre-back experience and midfield numbers stand out.
Looking through the Manchester United squad as it stands, it feels like there is a decent base there, but the balance is still not quite right. On paper, a lot of positions look covered, yet the same questions keep popping up: availability, suitability, and whether the left-hand side can ever settle.
Goalkeepers and full-backs
In goal, the group listed is Lammens, Darlow, Vitek, Bayindir and Heaton. The view here is that Bayindir could be moved on, and that a sensible deal for Vitek, either a loan or a sale with a buy-back clause, would make sense.
At right-back, it is Dalot, Mazraoui and Kamason, and while that might do for now, it is a position that could need addressing in the near future. The bigger concern is the other side. At left-back, Shaw, Amass and Dorgu are mentioned, and the need to strengthen is clear. Shaw is described as an injury concern, Amass as untested at this level, and there is uncertainty over whether Dorgu is a left-back or more of a left winger.
Centre-backs: solid on paper, worrying in reality
At centre-back, Martinez, MDL, Maguire, Yoro, Heaven and Fredrickson looks solid on paper. The worry is injuries and a lack of experience, which is why there is a call for a top-level centre-back with experience to come in.
The preference is for a right-sided centre-back, partly to avoid having to pair two young centre-backs if injuries hit. There is also the suggestion of trying Yoro at right-back in some games, on the basis that he has quality but needs more experience.
Midfield numbers and the reliance on youth
In central midfield, Tielemans, Santos, Mainoo, Ugarte, Kone and Collyer is the list, but Ugarte’s injury is seen as leaving the squad short. Without another midfielder, the feeling is that the academy may have to be relied on at some point this season.
The solution suggested is adding a genuine fourth midfielder because Ugarte is expected to be out for most of the season. With Mainoo and Santos being young, it is argued that this limits how often you could play Kone or Collyer. Ideally, the plan would be to sign another midfielder, sell Collyer and loan out Kone.
Attack: strong options, but questions over roles
On the right, Mbeumo, Amad and Lacey is seen as one of the strongest areas, with genuine competition between Mbeumo and Amad. In the attacking midfield slot, Bruno, Mount and possibly Cunha are mentioned. Bruno is first choice and rarely unavailable, Mount is not expected to play that much, and Cunha and Amad could cover if needed.
The left wing is described as an odd position, with Cunha likely first choice but able to play multiple roles. Dorgu could challenge if he is used at left wing rather than left-back, and Rashford, if he stays, would also play a fair bit. Thompson is labelled a wild card and would likely see limited minutes if Rashford remains.
Up front, Sesko, Zirkzee, Cunha and Chido Obi looks like enough depth on paper, but suitability is the bigger question. Cunha is expected to play elsewhere, while Zirkzee might leave and is described as having not worked out. Replacing Zirkzee with someone like Mateta is suggested as a way to give stronger depth up top.
Overall, it comes back to the left-hand side: whether Dorgu is a left-back or a left winger, where Cunha starts, what happens if Shaw is not fit, and what happens with Rashford. The sense is the club have tried to cover their bases with young depth like Amass and Thompson, but a top-quality left-back is still seen as the biggest missing piece, alongside experienced centre-back cover and another midfielder.
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