The left-back position is still MU's weak point.
Despite recruiting many players and testing many different options, MU still has not found a stable solution for this position.
Start the 2024/25 season with uncertainty at left-back
Man United have played their first three games of the 2024/25 season, including the Community Shield final against Man City, but it is worth noting that they have had to consistently use players who do not play in the official left-back position to cover this position.
Although not a decisive factor in the outcome of matches, this is still a sign of instability in coach Erik ten Hag's squad.
In the narrow win over Fulham, new signing Joshua Zirkzee scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute, bringing three valuable points to Man United.
While the win was not convincing, it was still seen as a step up from their opening-day performance against Wolves, but the lack of left-backs continues to be a problem.
Position rotation: A temporary but unsustainable solution
Faced with a shortage of personnel at left-back, Erik ten Hag was forced to use Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez, players who are not pure left-backs, to fill this position.
Dalot played on the left wing until Noussair Mazraoui left in the second half, after which Martinez moved to the left wing, with Dalot returning to his usual right wing position.
Using out-of-position players is nothing new for United. Last season, with Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw both out injured, Dalot and Wan-Bissaka also had to adapt to the left-back role.
Other players such as Victor Lindelof, Antony, and Sofyan Amrabat have also temporarily taken up the position, showing the lingering instability in the team's defense.
The importance of a pure left back
Defensive insecurity was a major problem for United last season. They conceded the second-highest number of shots in the Premier League, behind relegated Sheffield United. With 58 goals conceded, United conceded their most in a single season since 1978/79.
The lack of a stable back four has made Man United's defense more fragile, which is also the reason why the team focused on adding personnel in the defense in the summer transfer window of 2024. Names such as Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt have been brought in to strengthen the center-back position, but the problem at left-back has not been completely solved.
Reliance on young players: Temporary solution or potential danger?
With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both injured and out for long periods, United have been forced to put their faith in young players like Harry Amass. Despite Amass' impressive performances in pre-season, Ten Hag has been cautious about using him in competitive matches.
Man United's move in the summer transfer window of 2024 shows that they do not have complete confidence in Amass's ability. If the team cannot find a pure left-back before the transfer window ends, they will continue to face the same problems as last season.
Luke Shaw: The Vulnerable Star
Luke Shaw is one of Man United's best left-backs, but his injury history is a major concern. Since joining Man United, Shaw has only had two seasons in which he has not missed more than 10 games due to injury. This suggests that Shaw cannot be considered a reliable option for the entire season.
The frustration of fans and pundits, such as Peter Schmeichel, at Shaw’s continued injury woes is understandable. Despite Shaw’s efforts to return from a horrific double leg fracture, his inconsistency has left United looking for other solutions.
Action must be taken before it is too late.
Manchester United are in danger of repeating last season’s mistakes if they fail to address their left-back issues. Relying on out-of-position players or inexperienced youngsters will not provide the stability needed in a challenging season.
Adding a pure left-back before the end of the summer transfer window is essential if United are to seriously challenge for trophies. A shortage in this position not only affects the team’s defence but also limits their attacking options, especially with players like Marcus Rashford needing an effective left-back to provide support.
If Man United do not act in time, they could pay a heavy price in the coming months.
