Ruben Amorim, the manager steering Manchester United, faces a delicate balancing act. While willing to allow some players to move on, he understands the danger of weakening a squad already navigating a demanding season and vulnerable to injuries.
A strategic injection of new talent is anticipated at Old Trafford, and a key area of focus, according to former United star Lee Sharpe, is the full-back position. Sharpe believes a replacement for Diogo Dalot is now a priority.
Dalot arrived at Manchester United in 2018 with considerable promise, lauded by then-manager Jose Mourinho as “the best young full-back in Europe.” Mourinho envisioned a swift rise to greatness, praising Dalot’s physicality, intelligence, and the rigorous training instilled by the Porto academy.
However, Sharpe sees a player who hasn’t quite lived up to that initial hype. He points to a recurring sloppiness in Dalot’s decision-making, a tendency to give the ball away cheaply and be caught out of position defensively. These flaws, Sharpe argues, are hindering United’s progress.
Sharpe is particularly critical of Dalot’s defensive work when facing wingers, noting a failure to close down crossing opportunities effectively. He believes these are fundamental areas needing significant improvement, making a January or summer overhaul a necessity.
The situation with young Patrick Dorgu offers little immediate relief. While possessing potential, Dorgu has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency, leaving him unreliable for consistent first-team action. He’s a prospect, but not a solution right now.
Interestingly, Dalot is now the second longest-serving player at the club, surpassed only by Luke Shaw who joined in 2014. This longevity highlights a lack of consistent turnover and perhaps a need for fresh perspectives in the squad.
Despite over 200 appearances for the Red Devils, Dalot hasn’t established himself among the Premier League’s elite full-backs. This reality fuels the argument for seeking a more impactful presence in that position.
United’s recent form, boosted by the impressive performances of summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, offers a glimmer of hope. Sharpe is particularly effusive in his praise of Mbeumo, who arrived for £65 million from Brentford.
Mbeumo’s impact extends beyond goals and assists; Sharpe emphasizes his exceptional game awareness and relentless work rate. He’s a player who consistently contributes, never switching off, and leveraging his prior Premier League experience to great effect.
Sharpe confidently asserts that Mbeumo is currently among the best wingers in the league, his statistics backing up this claim. He’s a dynamic force, creating opportunities and consistently delivering results.
Manchester United will look to build on this encouraging momentum when they face Tottenham, fresh off a defeat to Chelsea. The upcoming match presents an opportunity to solidify their position and demonstrate the growing potential within the squad.
