With the appointment of Ruben Amorim in November, Manchester United have committed to a back three that has had its problems but it has also shored up the defence in comparison to the hectic days of Erik ten Hag.
Unluckily for United, they have continued to have numerous injuries this season in the centre of defence with only summer signing Matthijs de Ligt being available to play all season.
They lost Lisandro Martinez to a devastating ACL injury that will likely see him out of action until well into next season.
There was also great concern as Ayden Heaven picked up a serious-looking injury in the last game before the international break against Leicester City but recent reports seem to suggest the young January signing will be back in the not so distant future.
In addition, there have even been reports that Luke Shaw may even return to action very soon, further boosting United’s numbers in defence.
In the best case scenario, the Red Devils have 14 matches left to play, 11 for sure as they have nine more fixtures in the Premier League and at least two legs of their Europa League quarter final against Olympique Lyonnais. They will also hope there are two semi final matches and a trip to Bilbao in the final to come.
Moving forward, Ruben Amorim will have some tough choices on who will play in the back three and will surely rotate to give some rest to players before the vital Europa League ties.
Nonetheless, the first choice back three should be clear, Ayden Heaven at left centre back, Matthijs de Ligt in the middle role and Leny Yoro on the right.
The most obvious choice is De Ligt. The Dutchman has had his fair share of critics this season but as previously mentioned, he has held down the fort while the rest of his partners have all missed extended game time. In fact, the 25 year old has played 27 out of United’s 29 league games and 39 in all competitions.
He has turned himself into a true leader and has certainly added some grit and steel to United’s rather flimsy backline.
There have also been real improvements in the defence despite the poor league position. United tend to concede stupid goals down to defensive or goalkeeping errors but statistically and the eye test generally show defensive improvement this year in comparison to last, at least in terms of defending as a unit, and De Ligt is a big reason for this.
United have conceded 40 goals this season which is comparable to a lot of good teams. Manchester City have conceded the same and Nottingham Forest, currently third, have conceded just five fewer goals. Brighton and Hove Albion and Aston Villa have both let in more, despite being ahead of Amorim’s side in the table.
The bigger question comes on either side of the Dutchman. Leny Yoro has had his growing pains this season, in particular a chastening experience against Southampton attacker Kamaldeen Sulemana in January when Southampton came to Old Trafford but on the whole, he has shown strong progress.
The young French star is widely acknowledged as one of the premiere defensive talents in the game and it would be a strange choice to deny him the first team chances in numerous league games that will not mean much in the long run.
What’s more, he has also impressed in some of United’s biggest games this season and would likely stand tall in vital Europa League matches too.
Despite only making his debut in December due to an injury picked up in pre-season he has played 21 matches and has really solidified himself as a potential first team player for years to come.
His speed and ability on the ball is also very necessary to complement De Ligt who whilst not slow, is hardly the most rapid centre back. In addition, Yoro’s height is also another effective tool to defend set pieces into the box.
The final spot is probably the hardest to fill without Lisandro Martinez. Harry Maguire, while not everyone’s cup of tea, has had a decent season and has scored some important goals for his side this season once again.
The 32 year old has managed 28 matches this season and has found a role for himself in Amorim’s back three but he should only be a rotation option and should play more in the Premier League until the end of the season.
With the likely good news that Ayden Heaven’s injury is not too serious, he should be given the nod. Yes, he has only played four senior games for the club and is only 18 years old. Nonetheless, he has dazzled in his limited action. He was outstanding against Leicester City before going off injured and he was also impressive in matches against tough opponents, Arsenal and Real Sociedad.
The English talent is strong on the ball, fast and seems to be capable of making mature decisions under pressure for one so young.
Furthermore, United are in rebuild mode and with a limited budget in the summer, they need to see if these young defenders are ready to be starting players. Playing the likes of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire regularly will teach Amorim and the club little.
If Heaven proves to be unready, then another first team centre back is probably required in the summer but if he can prove his worth then the club may be content to sign a cheaper back up option to replace Lindelof and Jonny Evans or even promote from within such as Godwill Kukonki.
United must challenge now but build for the future and that is exactly what a 25 year old De Ligt, 19 year old Yoro and 18 year old Heaven represent.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
