Several reports this week have focused on Manchester United’s right-back job.
The full-back position in general seems to be important for the functioning of Erik ten Hag’s team. For the Dutchman’s ideal possession-based system to work successfully, his full-backs will need to learn to adapt their position to constantly engage in warm-up play and reinforce moments of transition.
Carl Anka described Ten Hag’s use of full-backs in a great article for The Athletic over the summer.
In the two famous Ajax teams that won the Eredivisie in 2018-19 and 2020-21, it was not uncommon to see one full-back playing an inverted role in midfield during build-up, while the other pushed up and supported. its end,’ Anka pointed out.
‘Left-back Daley Blind was essential to the way Ajax built up attacks, able to drop deep to create a back three before deciding how to advance the ball into midfield.
“Ajax would employ passing triangles and player rotations between left-back, central midfielder and winger, or Blind would pass into mid-space himself.”
Ten Hag’s use of Diogo Dalot as a multifunctional full-back was somewhat stunted against Everton in the absence of Raphaël Varane, as explained in a previous article.
Having said that, Tyrell Malacia and Dalot had started to look familiar with their roles of filling the midfield zones. Dalot, in particular, had even felt comfortable stepping forward and crossing into the number 10 box, which may explain why he experienced Premier League football much more than Malacia.
So, with the various news links to players in this position in general, where does United’s right-back position fit in the immediate and long-term future?
For starters, United were heavily linked with a late move by Sergiño Dest from Barcelona in the summer. United had revolved their transfer strategy around Ten Hag and his links to Dutch football. Dest was just another of several players to play under the new United manager who was rumored to be moving to Old Trafford.
The fact that Ten Hag was rumored to be considering a late move for a full-back shows his eagerness to fill the role with a player who is familiar with the particular system and has the right quality.
However, Dalot has started the season in good form, consistently being one of the best in the field.
The 23-year-old has thus drawn the attention of several major European clubs. His contract is set to expire in June 2023, although United have the option to extend it for a further year. Reports are circulating that his agency is starting to look at potential new clubs. If this is a genuine attempt to find fresher pastures for their client rather than mere negotiating tactics for a potential renewal, then United will need to adjust their plans accordingly.
Nonetheless, United are ready to tie Dalot to a longer-term deal (or at least offer improved and extended terms) in the New Year following Ten Hag’s request. Hypothetically, if Dalot turns down a renewal and arranges a move to a different club – say, Juventus – then United’s use of the automatic one-year contract extension will have to be used wisely.
I mean, it’s imperative that Dalot sells out this summer if they’re to avoid another Jesse Lingard or Paul Pogba situation.
If that were the case, Dalot would most likely not be the only right-back to see the latest from Old Trafford: Aaron Wan-Bissaka almost seems like the forgotten man.
Although he has been out injured for a few games, Ten Hag appears to be quite content to let the South Londoner go whenever the opportunity presents itself. Bought in to play in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s counterattacking setup, Wan-Bissaka’s technical abilities are too inept to fit Ten Hag’s attacking and ball possession philosophies.
Ten Hag announced today that he is happy Victor Lindelöf and Malacia are also taking over, which appears to push Wan-Bissaka further down the pecking order.
The Muppetiers from a good source recently revealed: ‘Wan-Bissaka will leave the club. Basically it has been said: “it’s over for you here”. Club and player agreed that he will leave this summer, with the entry of Ethan Laird [to the first team].’
With Wan-Bissaka set to go, as the quote suggests, Laird could enter United’s first-team fold. Many have considered that the young man has a very high ceiling; he has already impressed this season on loan at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship. QPR goalkeeper Semi Dieng recently told the club’s website of him: “He [Laird] has been outstanding.’
With his trademark fearless, powerful runs and straightforward nature, Laird could fit nicely into Ten Hag’s system.
The limiting factor: his propensity for serious injury.
Laird missed his first 90 minutes for QPR on Friday due to muscle stiffness during the previous game against Reading, from which he was withdrawn before half-time.
At just 21 years old, Laird could still overcome these injuries and fulfill his potential as a United player. But, United have already experienced the difficulties of having an injury-prone defender with great potential in Axel Tuanzebe. Tuanzebe is set to leave the club after his contract expires next summer.
Laird will be desperate to get rid of this last spell on the sidelines and prove to Ten Hag that he can stay fit and available for long periods of time.
Wan-Bissaka’s impending departure and Laird’s unreliability could therefore be why the media is now linking United with Lyon’s top prospect Malo Gusto.
This year, Gusto has become one of the best young right backs in Europe and has recorded six assists in his 35 appearances so far for the French club. According to 90min’s Graeme Bailey, Barcelona and United have been tracking the 19-year-old and have already inquired about his future.
Given his young age and potential cut-price transfer fee (his contract is due to expire in June 2024) fitting Glazernomics, Gusto would join the club as an excellent option to compete with Dalot for a starting spot.
For Ten Hag, finalizing his options at right back is vital. And there’s a feeling that it could be a highlight of discussion ahead of the next transfer window with a lot of moving parts at play.
