Manchester United are likely to be busy in the summer transfer window, and one position that they need to strengthen became glaringly obvious against Crystal Palace.
There’s been plenty of talk that United need to, and are going to, sign a midfielder in the upcoming window, but the Red Devils might need additions in other areas if they want to progress.
Casemiro is set to head through the exit door at the end of the season, so there’s no doubt adding a new midfielder will be a priority, but it shouldn’t mean they neglect other positions.
United’s priorities could change in the coming months, especially if they opt against keeping Michael Carrick as their permanent new manager.
A new coach might come in with fresh ideas and a different style of play, which might require different profiles to be added to the squad.
Man Utd Need to Sign a Left-Back
Luke Shaw was substituted in the first half against Crystal Palace with a muscle injury, something which has been a common theme in the past few years.
It’s been a fairly injury-free campaign for the English left-back, but it’s safe to say this term has been an anomaly for him.
Last season, Shaw missed a total of 54 games due to injury, while he missed 47 the campaign before.
In total throughout his career, Shaw has missed a phenomenal 305 games. The former Southampton defender has played 389 times in total, so he’s not far off missing more games than he’s played.
At the age of 30, picking up another muscle injury could be a problem, and United need to prioritise signing a new left-back in the summer.
Man Utd ‘Serious’ About Signing ‘Generational’ Forward in Summer Transfer Window
It would be a statement signing from Man Utd.
Patrick Dorgu Not Suited to Left-Back Role
United did bring in Patrick Dorgu as a potential option, but he’s shown that he’s more suited to a role where he’s utilised further up the pitch.
In terms of a left-back in a flat back four, Dorgu isn’t suited to that role, and it’s becoming glaringly obvious that United need to sign a younger profile who is capable of playing in that position.
Dorgu could still have a future at United, especially further up the pitch, but he’s not the long-term answer at left-back.
United have focused a lot of their recruitment of late on younger additions for the future, and a left-back capable of making an impact now and for years to come should be a huge priority.
