Ten Hag’s Verdict on Manchester United’s Competitive Full-Back Squad

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has commented favorably on the battle for positions in his team because all of his full-backs continue to deliver excellent performances when needed.

Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw have mainly played right and left back for the Reds this season, respectively. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia have both seen time on the field lately, despite the former being out with an injury and the latter occasionally playing at center defense.

Wan-Bissaka was thought to be surplus to requirements before Dalot’s injury and was anticipated to leave the club during this month’s transfer window, but the defender has played well in recent games and has shown that he can be a capable backup for the Portuguese star.

Malacia, on the other hand, played a significant role early in the season but was passed over at Old Trafford in favor of Shaw. The Dutchman might make his United debut against Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday after playing the full 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semifinal first-leg victory on Wednesday.

Ten Hag is obviously happy with his options in that area considering that Shaw, Malacia, and Dalot have all played in more than 20 games this season and Wan-Bissaka has recently done well.

He told the club’s media, “I think what you see is Diogo and Luke play on a really high level, but it’s fantastic to know the depth in the team is so good that those two come in and they can battle for their position, with Luke, and with Diogo.

“The fact that there is internal competitiveness within the squad is very positive. Everyone must give their all in order to be on a team and play many games, but since there are different sorts of players, we can occasionally choose one for the tactical approach.”

Shaw was ill and was unable to play in the victory over Steve Cooper’s team, so it would not be surprising to see Malacia stay at left-back on Saturday. Wan-Bissaka is anticipated to start the match against Paul Ince’s team because Dalot is still out with a hamstring injury.