Manchester United hardly ever do things the easy way and that was once again the case against the Premier League’s bottom team Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The Blades took the lead twice but the hosts fought back with skipper Bruno Fernandes leading from the front as they eventually ran out 4-2 winners.
The team displayed a much more possession-based approach instead of Erik ten Hag’s usual chaos ball which might have been instigated by new technical director Jason Wilcox as per reports relayed by The Peoples Person.
It will be interesting to see how long this lasts. The Red Devils dominated possession and had 72 percent of the ball while also making 722 passes but mistakes were still made which allowed Chris Wilder’s team to score twice.
Defensive woes continuing
The defence had a patched-up look to it with defensive midfielder Casemiro partnering Harry Maguire at the back after all the remaining four senior centre-backs all got injured along with academy star Willy Kambwala.
The duo has conceded five goals in their last two games — thrice against Championship side Coventry and two against Sheffield United.
Ten Hag’s latest injury update seems to suggest nobody is fit enough to return for the game against Burnley, and this season has seen the entire backline get decimated by injuries.
Constant reshuffling has not helped the team settle with the 20-time English league champions conceding three or more goals 14 times across this term while also letting in the second-most goals in the Champions League group stages.
It is clear to see that an overhaul at the back is required with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans’ deals coming to an end while both Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been linked with exits.
As per Turkish outlet Aspor, Galatasaray is interested in a summer deal for the Swede who cost United €35 million back in 2017. The Turkish league leaders have also been linked with a move for midfielder Christian Eriksen recently.
Lindelof’s injury record is starting to hamper his fortunes with the former Benfica man missing 17 games this season and eight last term.
He has struggled for consistency this season and has not been helped by the fact that he was forced to play as an auxiliary left-back at times due to the mounting injury crisis.
Gala eyeing Lindelof
“Galatasaray has added Victor Lindelöf, who plays for Manchester United, to their transfer list. The yellow-red team wants to add the Swedish football player to their squad at the end of the season.”
The 29-year-old has been a reliable performer but never world-class during his seven-year stint, and with the club in need of funds, he could be let go.
His current market value stands at €15 million, and INEOS would do well to earn more from the player’s sale. The Sweden national team captain’s United deal ends in 2025 after the club triggered the one-year extension option.
Many will argue that Maguire needs to go ahead of the Swede, but ultimately, it will be INEOS’ new backroom staff who take the final call.
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