United fans have crystal clear view on who should be club’s starter in major position in team

Manchester United have struggled with fitness issues in defence throughout the season, with Harry Maguire still sidelined. Last weekend saw the much-anticipated return of fan favourite Lisandro Martinez against Crystal Palace. It is expected that, once fully fit and up to speed, Martinez will slot into the left centre-back role alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro. Luke Shaw has deputised for most of the season at left centre-back and, according to many, has done an impressive job, playing 1,110 minutes so far this season in the Premier League. The Peoples Person asked its readers who they felt should be the left wing-back, with Martinez likely taking up a spot in the back three. Luke Shaw Fans have clearly been impressed by the England defender, as 56% of supporters feel he should shift over to the left wing-back role. Shaw has been one of the standout performers this season, but it is unclear whether he would have the energy to play a wing-back role in Ruben Amorim’s system. Having spent most of his career as a left-back, the 30-year-old is naturally comfortable out wide and, when on form, is a very accurate crosser. He is also very good at timing overlapping runs. Nonetheless, after suffering so many injuries in his career, it is perhaps tempting fate to make him run so much out wide. Luke Shaw match stats vs Crystal Palace StatisticValue Goals0 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.01 Tackles (won)1 (0) Interceptions3 Clearances3 Blocked shots1 Recoveries3 Ground duels (won)2 (1) Aerial duels (won)5 (3) Fouls1 Dribbled past0 Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes60/69 (87%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)24/32 (75%) Passes in own half (acc.)36/37 (97%) Long balls (accurate)6/10 (60%) Touches80 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Possession lost10 Total shots0 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Source: Sofascore Patrick Dorgu 20% of readers feel that Dorgu has done enough to retain his spot in the team. The Dane has regularly been Amorim’s first-choice left wing-back, as he possesses the dynamism and strength to get up and down that left wing all match. Nonetheless, his final ball is often questionable and he still lacks a lot of nuance in the position. To be fair to the youngster, though, he has had to adapt very quickly, moving from a club like Lecce to the glow of Old Trafford. Moreover, at 21 years old, he still has much time to learn and grow as a player. Noussair Mazraoui 13% of supporters feel that Mazraoui should be given a chance at left wing-back. The Moroccan has been battling minor fitness issues all season, but when he has played, he has performed in his usual solid way. He has played most of his football at right wing-back or right central defender. Whilst he is a very flexible player, Mazraoui has certainly always looked more comfortable on the right-hand side of the pitch. Someone else 8% of fans feel that someone else would be better suited to fill the left wing-back role. Perhaps they feel there is someone in the academy like Diego Leon, but it seems he is likely to go out on loan in January. What’s more, some fans may be clamouring for a return of Harry Amass, who has impressed at Sheffield Wednesday. Diogo Dalot It is no secret that the Portuguese defender has been out of form for some time. Fans clearly agree, as only 3% would trust him to be the club’s full-time left wing-back. Whilst it must also be said he is more comfortable on the right, most people would probably view Amad as the first-choice right wing-back under Amorim. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images – The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.