How Manchester United can solve their defensive woes

Manchester United’s defending hasn’t only been about individual mistakes. Under Ruben Amorim, the team’s spacing in transition, the protection in front of the centre-backs, and the timing of the press have all been inconsistent. When United lose the ball with wing-backs high, the gaps either side of the back three are exposed quickly, leading to panic.

Who United Have Available at the Back

On paper, United’s defensive group is strong. Diogo Dalot offers reliability and can play on either flank, as can Patrick Dorgu. Noussair Mazraoui provides calmer build-up play and better positioning in a back three. At centre-back, Matthijs de Ligt is the organiser, Harry Maguire the aerial presence, and Luke Shaw provides balance on the left of a three. Amorim can also call on younger centre-backs Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

The Absentees That Have Disrupted Continuity

The biggest issue has been continuity. Recent weeks have brought disruption, with injuries to both De Ligt and Maguire. Mazraoui is also unavailable due to his involvement at AFCON. Those are players that have been used regularly by Amorim at centre-back and full-back. Even when the players return, the chopping and changing in an attempt to keep players fresh will continue to be an issue.

What Lisandro Martinez Adds on His Return

If there is one defender who changes the feel of United’s defence, build-up and bite, it is Lisandro Martinez. Amorim has even used him stepping into midfield during games, which speaks to his comfort receiving the ball under pressure and his willingness to do the dirty work so the team can move up the pitch. If Martinez is added to the defence, United will be able to hold a higher line, squeeze up the pitch, and win second balls earlier. That reduces the amount of last-ditch defending United have had to deal with previously.

Three Practical Fixes Amorim Can Implement Now

First, simplify everything. When the wing-backs push on, one of the midfielders must sit and screen rather than joining the next line. That might reduce some attacking numbers, but it prevents the “two passes, and you’re running at the centre-backs” problem.

Second, be flexible with shape. Amorim has admitted United could switch to a back four, and with key wide options absent, a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 can naturally protect the channels and reduce the demands on the wing-backs.

Third, make set-pieces a strength again. With De Ligt and Maguire, United have the height to dominate, but that only matters if roles are clear and marking is consistent week to week.

Will January Bring a New Defender?

Adding to the defence in January could be something on Amorim’s mind, especially when he looks at the current situation and sees he’s down to bare bones at the back. However, if a move for a defender were to happen, you’d imagine that it would mean one of the current pack must head out of the club for a deal to be viable. And, other positions are likely seen as a priority, with Amorim banking on having much of his defensive unit back in the coming weeks.

United’s defensive woes are solvable. Get key players back, make some adjustments, and use Martinez as the tone-setter for aggression and control. Do that, and Manchester United odds suggesting they’re still a force to be reckoned with will look more favourable to a lot of people. A strong defence is the foundation for success.