There will probably be loads of intrigue when the official group sheets are distributed within the Previous Trafford press field forward of Manchester United’s season opener subsequent week.
The go to of Crystal Palace will instantly carry again reminiscences of United’s dismal defeat towards the identical opposition early final season, and it will likely be a very good indicator of simply how far Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s aspect have come within the final 11 months.
Donny van de Beek’s function will take centre stage, whereas supporters will even be fascinated to see which goalkeeper Solskjaer backs forward of a gruelling marketing campaign.
Nonetheless, essentially the most fascinating choice might are available in central defence with Solskjaer having an abundance of choices at his disposal.
The caveat to United’s plethora of defensive choices is that almost all of them aren’t adequate anymore with Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling all occupying the Previous Trafford sale rail forward of October’s deadline day.
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Harry Maguire’s place within the coronary heart of defence is safe given the actual fact United invested so closely in him a 12 months in the past, however fairly clearly his partnership with Victor Lindelof nonetheless leaves loads to be desired. There isn’t any cause why they will not recapture the spectacular kind which noticed them maintain 9 clear sheets in 11 matches earlier within the calendar 12 months, however Solskjaer is nicely conscious an alternate system is required.
Such a dilemma leaves United open to signing a brand new central defender this summer season however RB Leipzig’s refusal to promote star man Dayot Upamecano is an apparent argument why Solskjaer may need to attend a 12 months earlier than he addresses his defence within the switch market.
“We’re at all times trying to enhance the group and the squad,” Solskjaer replied in response to the centre-back problem late final season. “I believe we have been very, very stable on the again.”
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It successfully means these at Previous Trafford now have a 12 months to show their price as soon as and for all, and for Axel Tuanzebe his return from damage couldn’t have been higher timed.
The 22-year-old solely managed two Premier League begins in an injury-plagued marketing campaign final season and not too long ago underwent an operation on his foot however is anticipated to be again in rivalry when play resumes subsequent week.
Tuanzebe stood out on the membership’s pre-season tour final summer season and regardless of severe curiosity in securing his signature on mortgage Solskjaer confirmed his religion by conserving him on the membership.
His reward was a spot within the matchday squad for the opening eight Premier League matches final season, in addition to begins within the Europa League and the immense honour of captaining the first-team towards boyhood membership Rochdale within the Carabao Cup.
Axel Tuanzebe of Manchester United leads the group v Rochdale
(Picture: 2019 Manchester United FC)
Damage quickly hampered what have been real indicators of progress, however even in his 10 appearances final season the younger centre-back confirmed his management qualities each on and off the pitch.
“Sure, (being made everlasting captain) is a goal of mine,” he stated earlier this 12 months.
“I would not say essentially to be captain however simply to be a frontrunner for the group. Simply somebody that different teammates can flip to.”
Tuanzebe is seen as one other good function mannequin for these hopefuls within the U23 aspect and is obvious proof of what a profitable Soccer League mortgage transfer can do for a participant’s profession after his spells with Aston Villa.
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The difficulty for Tuanzebe is {that a} 12 months on from captaining United he’s now again at sq. one, not solely below strain to regain a spot within the first-team, however nicely conscious of the promising progress being made by teenage duo Teden Mengi and Di’Shon Bernard beneath him.
United’s squad is overstocked with defensive dross, and whereas it would restrict Tuanzebe’s possibilities of common soccer subsequent season the shortage of recent funding might show essential in giving him the platform which he deserves.
Solskjaer has to prioritise including to United’s assault earlier than the switch deadline day and that ought to give Tuanzebe the prospect to indicate why a brand new centre-back signing now not must be a priority.
