Manchester United Facing Full-Back Crisis Ahead of Brentford Clash
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces a serious selection dilemma ahead of this Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Brentford, with three of the club’s senior full-backs expected to miss out. With defensive injuries piling up, Ten Hag will need to get creative to patch up his backline, which has struggled with consistency since the start of the season.
Both left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been out of action for much of the 2023/24 campaign. While both are progressing in their recoveries, neither is expected to return in time for Brentford’s visit to Old Trafford. This is nothing new for Ten Hag, who has been without his preferred left-sided options for weeks and has been forced to adapt.
In the absence of Shaw and Malacia, right-back Diogo Dalot has been deputizing on the left side of defence. Dalot, known for his versatility, has admirably stepped into the role, but playing out of position for such a long stretch has not been ideal for United’s overall balance. On the right, recent signing Noussair Mazraoui had been filling in, providing Ten Hag with a solid option after his arrival.
However, Mazraoui is now sidelined following a minor heart surgery, leaving Dalot as the only available senior full-back for this weekend’s crucial fixture. Although Mazraoui is expected to recover relatively soon, his absence further complicates an already difficult situation, leaving Ten Hag scrambling for options.
Who Can Fill the Void?
With just Dalot available as a natural full-back, Ten Hag has a few makeshift alternatives, but none come without risk.
One option is shifting Lisandro Martínez, typically a centre-back, out to the left-back position. The Argentine has filled that role before, both for United and his previous clubs, and his technical ability and composure on the ball make him a plausible candidate. However, moving Martínez from the heart of defence to the flanks could leave United vulnerable centrally, especially given the physicality of Brentford’s forwards.
A more unconventional solution could see veteran centre-back Jonny Evans shifted to a wide position. At 36, Evans lacks the pace of a modern full-back but could offer defensive solidity and experience. Still, it would be a gamble to play him out of position, especially against Brentford’s high-energy, counter-attacking style.
Will Youth Get a Chance?
United fans have taken to social media to voice their desire for 17-year-old academy product Harry Amass to be given a chance. The young left-back has been a standout in the youth ranks and has long been tipped for a future at Old Trafford. However, despite his talent, Amass is still untested at senior level, and Ten Hag has previously indicated that the teenager may not yet be ready for Premier League minutes.
Back in August, Ten Hag urged patience with the youngster, suggesting that while Amass has immense potential, throwing him into the first team too soon could do more harm than good. Given the pressure surrounding United at the moment, it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag is willing to give the academy star a chance, or if he will stick with more experienced, albeit makeshift, options.
The Bigger Picture
United’s full-back crisis is just the latest issue in what has been a rocky start to the 2023/24 season. Defensive injuries have plagued Ten Hag’s side, disrupting their rhythm and consistency. While United still have enough quality in the squad to get a result against Brentford, the ongoing lack of defensive depth is a major concern, especially with tough fixtures on the horizon.
The January transfer window may offer United a chance to strengthen their backline, but for now, Ten Hag must rely on creativity and adaptability. The hope is that Shaw and Malacia will return soon to ease the pressure, but for this weekend, the focus will be on patching up the defence and hoping Dalot can continue his solid form on the left.
United’s ability to navigate this challenging period could play a significant role in determining their long-term success this season. For now, though, all eyes will be on Ten Hag’s tactical choices as Brentford arrives at Old Trafford, with full-back solutions still up in the air.