How Manchester United should line-up in defence vs Sunderland
With Manchester United it’s been a sense of when are they going to buy a defender. However, when you look at the stats its a complete different ball game in terms of how the side are playing this season.
The United of old would normally be reliant on scoring goals and ensuring they dispatch sides before the end of the first half under Sir Alex Ferguson. The odd game could be a nervous but they were the games that thrilled fans with their last-minute goals sending the fans into delight.
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It was the case with the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney leading the side in the past but this campaign isn’t quite providing that. Despite Robin van Persie still in the side the Dutchman isn’t quite the same player he once was when signed from Arsenal in 2012.
His 30-goal campaign in all competitions was very pleasing to the eye and fans believed it would last a few years. It’s turned out the complete opposite and with Radamel Falcao and Wayne Rooney all struggling to burst the net regularly, the key components of United’s form have been in defence.
Apart from last weekend which saw Swansea City earn three points over the Red Devils, Louis van Gaal’s side had failed to concede more than two goals in a game since November. The Dutchman has been impressive in terms of his coaching with the defence but his lack of goals in attack is what’s worrying United fans. Maybe he doesn’t have the options he quite wants but if the side manage to get into the Champions League then the 63 year-old will have no excuses.
But with United facing Sunderland and looking to get three points on the board, another strong display in front of David De Gea will be needed. And looking at all the options at Van Gaal’s disposal we select the defence that should be enough to keep out the likes of Stephen Fletcher and Adam Johnson.
LB – Luke Shaw
The 19 year-old is maturing every game and after Gary Neville’s comments of the Englishman remaining the left-back for another “10 years” at the club, Shaw is proving that already in his first season. His pace, strength and ability to cross is exactly the type of wing-back United are used to.
Patrice Evra produced the goods for seven years and now Shaw can make his legacy as he plans to win a number of trophies with his new club. The former Southampton defender signed for £27million which is a huge amount for a teenager. However, in the long run it will be deal that benefits the Red Devils massively. Undoubtedly one of the best talents in the country.
CB – Marcos Rojo
It may seem hard to believe but the Argentine has been the most impressive of all the United signings this season. The 24 year-old has taken to English football really well with his attitude, determination and ability to pass the ball making him a complete defender.
Rojo is still young and his £16m price tag was heavily questioned at the beginning of the season. But the Argentine has played a large number of games and has looked good in most of them with his tough tackling mentality just what United need. He can also play left-back and that versatility was one of the reasons Van Gaal signed him and rightly so.
CB – Phil Jones
One minute he is the best defender at the club and the next he could be out for six weeks. Jones was expected to become the new Nemanja Vidic of United but injuries have hampered him during his rise to stardom at the club.
He is a regular England international and starts for Van Gaal every time he is fit so that’s a good sign. At the end of the season one of Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are expected to leave and it could be the latter. And rightly so. Evans hasn’t been strong this season and his poor passing is something that Van Gaal really despises in his game.
Jones can battle in the air, pass and score goals and that is something that will all improve as he trains under Van Gaal. Played against Swansea and was good for most of the game and should keep his place.
RB – Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian was rested against Swansea but that decision was quickly reversed when he came on in the second half. He failed to help United win the game but he is the number one right-back in the side at the moment.
Rafael, 24, has been left to play in the reserves and it seems like he could be the next player booted out the door. And that gives Valencia another three months to keep his place in tact come the start of next season. The Red Devils are expected to go for Nathaniel Clyne in the summer but with a huge amount of games, a big squad is needed which Valencia can be a part of should he continue to thrive in his new position.