There was a point during the 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool in March that Manchester United had just one centre-back on the pitch. Jurgen Klopp fielded three throughout.
It got to the stage that Antony was effectively playing at full-back. Harry Maguire had been left alone with Diogo Dalot on one side and a lot of space on the other.
In hindsight this defence, even in the brief period it was deployed for out of sheer desperation, possibly wasn’t even the worst that Erik ten Hag put out onto the pitch. Was the group of players who conceded three on that day really more incompetent and rag-tag than the selection including Aaron Wan-Bissaka at left-back and Casemiro centrally during the 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace six weeks later?
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Ten Hag was rightly criticised for the lack of structure around and in front of the defence, especially after Andre Onana was often left facing 20 or more shots at his goal on a weekly basis, but the coach did have a point. His options had been decimated by injury throughout, and having serious success with an XI including multiple players out of position or not in the plans 12 months ago doesn’t help.
The extent to which Ten Hag was responsible for these issues is now a moot point. The United hierarchy, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, his Ineos minority ownership investment group, and the fresh model in place, reached a decision one way or another, to keep the head coach in charge.
Now the plan is to give him better tools to work with. The exit of Raphael Varane on June 30 marked the beginning of the transition but is almost certain not to be the end. United have already set their stall out in the summer transfer market to make defensive changes.
From an opening day bid for Jarrad Branthwaite to talks with Nice’s Jean-Claire Todibo, the focus is clear. Luckily for Ten Hag, despite the minimal budget available so far, and a lack of genuine incoming activity, there is still time to overhaul his options.
Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at what his dream backline could be.
Andre Onana
Starting in goal, for several reasons. 1) The ‘keeper is obviously part of the defensive unit, 2) at United last season Onana was often left completely stranded, and 3) Ten Hag has such a big role for his No.1 on the ball that he can be considered another defender at times anyway.
Onana, somehow, was one of the better-performing players for United last season despite a pretty woeful start. He, and Ten Hag, and everyone else associated with the club, for that matter, will hope things improve ahead and around him.
Diogo Dalot
No change just yet from the side that Ten Hag was selecting last season, but it’s about to shift. Dalot was one of the best outfield performers, to go alongside his goalkeeper, and will be aiming to build on an impressive individual campaign even if the team failed to meet expectations.
Matthijs de Ligt
Here is where things start to get interesting. The first new signing in this defence is Bayern Munich centre-back De Ligt. He has the links to Ten Hag from their Ajax days but even without that overlap he would be a standout candidate.
De Ligt has top-level European experience, leadership traits, and has played with what could be up to three members of a back four and goalkeeper previously. He is the most obvious current replacement for Varane on the right side of defence even though it is left-footed options being pursued. His arrival could end Harry Maguire’s United career once and for all, though.
Lisandro Martinez
The Argentine may well feel like a new signing if he can stay fit next season. Having missed most of the 2023/24 campaign, Martinez will be welcomed back with open arms by coaching staff and teammates alike.
When on form, Martinez demonstrated just why Ten Hag was so keen to get him in during the first of his two full summers so far. As the little man to De Ligt, the big and small partnership here, playing on their preferred sides, would be an ideal base to build from. Martinez is United’s best defender when he’s available, this spot is his permanently should the niggles and problems steer clear.
Miguel Gutierrez
With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia as first choice plus the option to play Dalot on the left if and when needed, United didn’t look like they would be needed a new full-back anytime soon. But with injuries ruling both players out for far too much of the past 12 months, it’s no surprise that they have been drawn back into the market.
Reportedly it is Girona’s Gutierrez who has caught the attention. The Spaniard, who came through the Real Madrid youth academy before moving to City Football Group side Girona in 2022, could move back to the capital this summer before being sold.
It’s said that Madrid will trigger a clause in his contract to snap him up after impressing under Michel. Florentino Perez will then aim to sell him on for over £25million, and United are one of the sides linked.
Gutierrez, 22, played 35 times in the league for Girona last year as they finished in the Champions League places, scoring twice and assisting seven. He has become a mainstay in the side and is now earning attention.
On paper this is how United could look if their transfer plans come through. Other defensive targets have included Branthwaite, Todibo, Leny Yoro, Todibo, and more. There is still room for rotation here as well with Jonny Evans in the mix, a decision to be made over Maguire, Willy Kambwala aiming for a breakout season, and full-back depth existing.
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