FROM WEMBLEY – There’s no doubting Manchester United’s need for signings if they’re to compete in the new season.
Saturday saw progress made on two more arrivals from Bayern Munich – Noussair Mazraoui and a long-term target of theirs, Matthijs de Ligt. Both players will arrive in Manchester and complete moves in the coming days after long pursuits – and in De Ligt’s case it’s been years in the making, dating back to when new manager Erik ten Hag was his manager at Ajax. They’re two moves completely necessary for progress.
A central midfielder is needed too at the least and with endless injury problems at left back, more depth may be required even while Mazraoui is capable.
Saturday also saw these points reinforced on the pitch. United met local rivals Manchester City at Wembley in the season’s traditional curtain raiser, the Community Shield, and while the performance on the whole was promising, their vulnerabilities were exposed on occasion and the blue half of the city eventually took the spoils.
The absence of a left back saw Lisandro Martinez plug in with mixed results and Jonny Evans is 37 in January, still playing more football than he ever has. Perhaps the answers to those questions are in the transfers in completion.
The right side of attack has been a sore spot for some time too. You could even argue its weakness dates back to the summer of 2009, when Glazernomics really reared its head. The £80m sale of Cristiano Ronaldo was backfilled by the signing of Antonio Valencia from Wigan and while Valencia served the club well (from right-back in his latter years), the lack of outstanding talent in that position has been obvious ever since.
United tried to address their imbalance on the right in Ten Hag’s first summer. Brazilian signing Antony, who this week assured you’d hear his name in relation to goals and assists in the season ahead (consider this an attempt to relate his name to goals and assists, because there haven’t been many yet) cost north of £80m and has been an incredible disappointment to date.
But United may now be finding out they’ve had the long-term answers to their right-side issues in the building for years.
Amad Diallo has been United’s brightest spark of pre-season. His breakthrough has been a long time coming and a subject of massive anticipation from supporters who’ve seen flashes of his brilliance, but a debilitating injury last season and a long road back – plus time to adjust to what his manager has wanted – has meant we’ve yet to see much more.
His performances towards the end of last season, that winner in extra time against Liverpool and a stunner against Newcastle at Old Trafford, suggest he’s got the ability required to take chances in pressure moments. And he solidified his position at the top of the pecking order to kick off the season against Fulham on Friday with another dangerous showing.
Amad’s ability to carry the ball through tight spaces, link with other players, and general techinical ability make him a joy to watch. The Ivorian should have opened the scoring in the first half after a brilliantly crafted opening in conjuction with Casemiro saw him through on goal – though his decision to square to a stalling Mason Mount instead of shooting was the wrong one.
Still only 22, Amad offers excitement and genuine threat when he picks up the ball in attacking areas. His unpredictability in comparison to Antony makes that order of preference a no contest at present.
But United have the option they frequented on the right throughout last season in reserve, or as an alternative, in goalscorer Alejandro Garnacho, who has recently returned from the Copa America.
The Argentinian has gears to go through and potential to fill, but his most endearing quality is perhaps something Amad doesn’t have; a dogged determination and bulldozing quality while dribbling. He’s not as finessed as his teammate but it often works to his advantage – and it did here.
His stronger right foot means Garnacho’s ability to drive down the line offers a direct option from time to time that United lack on the right, but such is the self-belief and quality with his weaker foot, he’s not afraid to use it. Garnacho’s carry infield before firing into the corner is a reminder that he too offers unpredictability that United will only benefit from – a quality Antony needs to learn fast.
United’s campaign kicks off proper on Friday night at home to Fulham and, injuries and late signings permitting, there are signs of promise after the disastrous league campaign of last season.
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