Manchester United have a number of areas that need to be improved, but the club selected three priority areas this summer.
A striker and a centre-back have arrived, while it is thought that Erik ten Hag is closing in on a new midfielder, Manuel Ugarte. While Leny Yoro’s three-month setback could push United into another centre-half signing this window, other positions may need some attention.
One of those is left-back, given how injuries decimated options there last season. Luke Shaw is back to fitness but only played 15 matches last term due to issues and is yet to go through a full season at United without injury.
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag’s favourite Amad trait vs Real Betis speaks volumes
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag explains Manchester United playing style and tactics after Jamie Carragher criticism
Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia is not expected to return until October, having not played in more than a year due to setbacks in his rehabilitation from serious surgery. Sergio Reguilon was acquired on loan last deadline day but returned to Tottenham in January after Ten Hag ended his stay early, with Shaw and Malacia both expected back soon. That never happened.
As a result, Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and even Victor Lindelof had to cover in the role with full-back options stretched. Sorting another loan this summer to cover for Malacia would be sensible.
But meanwhile, academy recruit Harry Amass has impressed so far in pre-season, most notably against Real Betis. The 17-year-old joined from Watford last August with big hopes for the future, and the first fruits of his potential are starting to show.
A few first-team stints this coming season followed by consistent progress, and United might not need to find a new left-back when Shaw’s contract runs out in 2027, saving a good few million. For now, third-choice at United is an ample status, and the reality is that the team might still need more experienced cover at left-back via a loanee until Malacia returns.
Another area of debate is the right-wing position. On paper, United have a number of options there, with Antony, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford able to play in the role, Alejandro Garnacho too, albeit to limited effect.
In reality, the spot has hardly been nailed down in Ten Hag’s tenure, with Antony underwhelming his £85m price tag, Rashford preferring the left flank far more, and Sancho falling out with the manager, a feud that has now been quashed.
There has been good reason to suggest that the right wing needs a new addition, but United need not bother. Amad can save United a good few quid in the short term with his assets from the right, as shown against Real Betis.
His breakaway goal against Liverpool in last season’s FA Cup tie showed the raw talent he has, something that former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray was never shy to underline during Amad’s 14-goal loan spell at the Black Cats two seasons ago.
Amad has now scored twice in pre-season, for what that is worth. His goal against Rangers might have felt sweet given his torrid former prior loan spell in Scotland.
But it was against Real Betis that he showed what he can do when he has minutes under his belt, scoring United’s second of the game after winning a penalty for their first. After recovering from a long-term injury in time for the second half of the season, Amad only managed to start the final three league games.
Now 22, the attacker has the confidence and ability to show he can challenge and perhaps usurp Antony on the right for more starts. Either way, his resurgence has saved United from forking out millions for another
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
