SIX GOALS conceded in three games is bad enough for Manchester United. Worse yet, they did not even sign a defender in the summer.
United’s only defensive-minded signing – defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba – is recovering from an ankle injury. Two of their back four at Everton are in their 30s while full backs Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are the longest-serving members in the squad.
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There will be a revamp of the defence next summer, but this season is not even a month old and United will have to get by.
Defence was never a priority for United as they have the manpower: nine senior defenders and almost all of them can play in a variety of roles. That is more than the average two players per position in a back four.
United were left with Kobbie Mainoo as the only senior and available central midfielder after Manuel Ugarte ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. Mainoo has been joined by Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.
The quantity of defenders was the main reason why United did not reinforce it. With five centre halves, there was no room for an addition.
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And also no market. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, aged 20 and 19, joined only two seasons ago and are long-term investments. Harry Maguire signed a contract renewal in April.
Matthijs de Ligt is recovering from a back injury that has sidelined him since November, so was unsellable. There were never going to be any takers for the injury-prone Lisandro Martinez, considered a first-teamer when fit.
United did not receive any offers for right backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, two experienced options they have settled for, or are saddled with, for a third successive season.
It is well-known that United wanted a new left back. Lewis Hall was their preferred choice and Myles Lewis-Skelly was available but for a steep fee in excess of £50million.
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United never got far down the line with Hall but Newcastle would have priced them out of a move for the £70m-rated left back. If Hall’s resale value does not drop, he could command a world record fee for a full back next summer.
In all likelihood, United will go back in for Hall in 12 months’ time. Shaw has entered the final year of his contract and could be released after 13 years at the club.
United could also let Maguire go next year. Martinez, whose contract is expected to be extended until 2028, is effectively on trial ahead of a definitive decision on his future.
With Martinez, Dalot, Mazraoui and Harry Amass all likely to have one year left on their deals next summer, United could get rid of up to six defenders if they wish to drastically dismantle their defence.
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Maguire is the vice-captain and has started in all 18 games he has been available for under Carrick. His contract includes a one-year option that could be triggered, depending on his fitness and form over the coming months.
Amass, 19, has at least four months to cement himself as a worthy senior squad member.
But already Carrick has thrown on a centre back at right back (Yoro) and a right back at left back (Mazraoui) to the team’s detriment.
Hooking Shaw in the 91st minute with United 2-1 up at Everton had dire consequences. Yoro was narrow, Patrick Dorgu switched to the right wing to offset that, but went rogue with some pointless pressing.
Mazraoui, sent on in added time, attempted a panicky prod at the ball and it was swept in by Ainsley Maitland-Niles.