Erik ten Hag must be wondering when the plates will stop whirling.
As soon as one problem is resolved, another appears. The United manager went into the summer knowing he needed to improve his goalie, central midfielder, and main striker. He addressed all three with key signings before the season began.
Then there was the issue of left back, with Luke Shaw joining Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines. With Raphael Varane ill and Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof forced off against Arsenal, Manchester United were suddenly exposed at center back.
Sergio Reguilon arrived as a band-aid on the left wing, but now the right wing is a problem. Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho have had a public spat, and it is unclear what the future holds for the England international, while Antony is also out of the picture for personal reasons.
With games against Brighton and Bayern Munich on the horizon, Ten Hag must now address his frontline. The evidence from last season suggests that Bruno Fernandes may be migrating away from his major role.
Given the impact the Portugal international has on the team, it’s not ideal, but Ten Hag used him there in critical games last season, notably the FA Cup final, to shore things up. It leaves a vacuum in the midfield, but United have a lot of options there right now, and Mason Mount could easily play further forward.
However, considering his experience playing out wide for club and country, the England international may be the favored option. The former Chelsea man is recovering from an injury and, if fit, could be a significant alternative for United, especially away in Munich, with his work-rate and game intelligence affording United a helping hand without the ball.
Facundo Pellistri is the main candidate for a right-side slot among natural candidates. He hasn’t played much under Ten Hag and has yet to start a league game, but he appears to be the fans’ choice.
He has staked a claim as a full international for Uruguay, with a World Cup under his belt and a handful of positive United cameos behind him. The only stumbling block for the 21-year-old is whether his boss believes he is up to the challenges that Brighton and Bayern face. However, Pellistri should start the upcoming Premier League games against Burnley and Crystal Palace. If not now, when will it be?
Amad Diallo, the Ivory Coast international, may have a long-term voice in the right-side argument, although he is now injured. Last season, he shone for Sunderland in the Championship, raising his profile and propelling him into the United first team debate. When he is completely fit, he hopes to force his way into the thinking.
Should Ten Hag attempt to switch Alejandro Garnacho from his favoured side, he has an inverted alternative. However, the vast bulk of his United minutes have come from the left, and it appears doubtful that he will be switched across ahead of the other possibilities.
It leaves Ten Hag with four possibilities for one position, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s time to make a choice.
