Manchester United are struggling and have a host of new signings trying to bed in, so the last thing Louis Van Gaal needed was a defensive injury crisis. Unfortunately, that’s just what he’s got.
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Manchester United are in trouble. Results are bad, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones are injured and Tyler Blackett is suspended. Given the importance of getting a good result in the West Ham game, Louis Van Gaal has a huge decision over who to play alongside Marcos Rojo at the back for United. Here are some of his options:
Darren Fletcher
The midfielder has only returned this season after almost two years out. He has played at centre-back in emergencies before, but wouldn’t United be better off keeping their most solid and experienced midfielder in midfield?
Paddy McNair
The Northern Irishman has been called up to the main squad from the U-21s, but is only 19 and has never made a first team appearance. He is considered a huge talent by the United youth coaches however, and would relish the chance to break into the senior team. Daley Blind
A defensive midfielder by trade, he’s also played left-back, and part of the reason he was signed was his versatility. Louis Van Gaal has said, however, that he doesn’t want Blind at the back partnering the left-footed Rojo: “I don’t like having too many left-sided defenders or left-footed player in defence, I think always of balance”.Tom Thorpe
Captain of the U-21s, unlike McNair, who started as a midfielder, Thorpe has always been a centre-back. Fans might point to the fact that he’s 21 and has never made a first team appearance as evidence that he’s not up to the right standard. Wayne Rooney?
As the new captain, Rooney may have to take on the burden himself! He’s known for his versatility, and United are literally threadbare! Maybe this injury-crisis is the exact opportunity for reinvention that Wayne has been looking for…?
(We jest, we jest…)
Whoever Van Gaal chooses, he will certainly be regretting the imbalanced squad he ended the transfer window with. The focus on attacking players when defensive depth was desperately needed has already proved to be a mistake, as has allowing players like Michael Keane to go out on loan.