Wing-back is one position where Manchester United are struggling to find the right solution under manager Ruben Amorim.
On the right side, things look more calm. Amad performed well this term, securing his place in the team and forming a good partnership with summer signing Brian Mbeumo.
The left side had more problems. In January last year, the Red Devils acquired Patrick Dorg from Lecce for local action, but he was still inexperienced at just 21 years old and his game time was well-managed.
That means Diogo Dalot has been frequently in the field.
I am curious about the condition of left wing-back Dalot.
Dalot, 26, is fast becoming one of the most experienced players in United’s squad. The Portuguese defender has made 219 appearances for the club and has great versatility, being able to play as both a left-back and a natural right-back.
Amorim’s focus this season has been on his versatility. Of course, the Red Devils manager is notorious for playing wing-backs and has imposed that on Dalot this season. United’s number two was likely to play as a left wing-back during the 2025/26 season.
The former FC Porto star has appeared in nine games in all competitions, playing as left wing-back five times. In the last four Premier League games, Dalot has played in that side.
Dalot stats for the last 2 games | ||
|---|---|---|
status | vs. Brighton | vs. Forest |
touch | 42 | 43 |
Pass accuracy | 83% | 88% |
completed cross | 0/0 | 0/2 |
won a duel | 3/5 | 3/8 |
An opportunity has arisen | 1 | 0 |
Sofascore statistics | ||
He sometimes suggests something for the future. Last season, he provided this impressive assist from the left wing against Fulham in the FA Cup, capping off a good run with Bruno Fernandes firing home.
However, United fans appear to be losing patience with Dalot. Content creator Deb Bajwa said the Red Devils’ number two “has to come off” and that his teammates are “carrying him on their backs”.
Well, a solution may emerge if Amorim decides to quit Dalot.
Manchester United star who could replace Dalot
United certainly have options on the left. Of course, Dalot has been Amoam’s first choice in recent games, and Dorg is another player who could fit in there.
However, one guy who has yet to step into that role this season is Luke Shaw.
That’s because the England international plays a key role on the left of United’s back three. Of course, he was traded as a left-back, but he also showed talent at left-centre back. With Lisandro Martinez’s return on the horizon, things could change quickly.
The Argentine has been sidelined since February with a knee injury but is close to making a return. However, when he is fit, he is Amorim’s reliable deputy, starting all 16 games scheduled under the Portuguese manager.
Martinez has now returned to full training and could feature in Saturday’s game against Tottenham Hotspur. If he joins the side, there could be a reshuffle of Amorim’s squad.
The 2022 World Cup winner is set to slot into a left-sided back three, meaning Shaw could move to left wing-back.
It’s a role he only played 15 times in 297 games for United. He also plays for England and scored the opening goal in the Euro 2020 final. This goal will be one that Three Lions supporters will never forget.
Shaw once described Martinez as a “monster”, so it makes sense to unleash the £48 million defender when he returns to full fitness. It is also a chance for Amorim to change things up, as Dalot has struggled to maintain his best form as a left wing-back.
It seems like a logical move for the manager to have Shaw play high and wide, allowing him to use his strong feet to cross into the box. With Dalot’s disappointing form and overall misprofiling by coach Amorim, replacing him with Martinez could make the Red Devils a more balanced team. The end may finally come for the Portuguese player in United colors.
