Manchester United could unleash a wildcard wing-back next monthplaceholder image
Manchester United could unleash a wildcard wing-back next month | Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd don't have many options in the wing-back positions and could soon lose most of them.
Even with a fully fit squad, Amorim does not have an abundance of riches, with Amad Diallo just about the only standout candidate who is certain of a regular starting role. The Portuguese head coach recently described Amad as the 'perfect' option for his right wing-back position, not something he could say about those he has on the opposite flank.
United spent £25 million to sign Patrick Dorgu at the start of the year, but he is an extremely raw talent and is not good enough to start regularly. Diogo Dalot is a safer, but more limited option, who is better on the right, while teenage prodigy Diego Leon is expected to leave on loan in January and will hope to follow in the success of Harry Amass, who is at Sheffield Wednesday.
Read More
In the long term, United might hope that either Amass or Leon can be their solution in the left wing-back role, but there are no guarantees that it will happen. The club is already exploring options to reinforce at wing-back next year in the next stage of their rebuild under Amorim, an acknowledgment that an immediate improvement is required.
That will have to wait until the transfer window is open. Until then, there are not many options at Amorim's disposal, and he could soon be without four of the options he already has. Amad will head to the Africa Cup of Nations next month, along with fellow wing-back options Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui.
It will leave just Dalot, Dorgu and the unfancied Tyrell Malacia as the senior options for the roles, though Dorgu is walking a suspension tight rope and will serve a one-match ban the next time he is booked. That could leave Dalot as the only senior option, and even if Dorgu does not serve a ban, they will be light on options to use during a match for substitutions.
There is a temptation to suggest youngsters such as Leon, Bendito Mantato, and Jaydan Kamason might benefit from the situation, but another possibility would be to use Luke Shaw in his former left wing-back role. The 30-year-old has enjoyed a renaissance in a centre-back role this season, and has been one of the biggest winners from the reduced fixture schedule and lighter physical demands, and could be risked in the wide role as a temporary solution.
"He can play left wing-back, but of course the load that a player does in that position is a little different if you are doing that on a daily basis," Amorim said earlier this month. "He is more prepared to do that position, but of course, he can play there; he is a smart player, and he is fit in the moment, so I think he is an option."
It would not be an ideal option, and it appears Amorim would be reluctant to do so due to Shaw's fitness issues, but it could well become a reality next month.
Continue Reading