Manchester United are currently on a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and that has propelled them down to fifth in the table, just three points behind third-placed Tottenham Hotspur, with one game remaining.
Erik ten Hag’s philosophy is beginning to take shape and the signings the club has brought in over the summer have played a huge part in United’s run.
The Dutch boss had plenty to do when he was given the role, from improving a leaky defense to signing dominant midfielders and finally getting underperforming stars back to their best.
dalot tire
Defensive signings have proven to be a game changer with Lisandro Martinez quickly becoming a fan favourite, while midfielders Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have become invaluable to the team’s style of play.
The work is not done yet and attacking reinforcements are urgently required considering Anthony Martial’s injury problems and Cristiano Ronaldo’s uncertain future.
Benjamin Pavard didn’t expect to start on the bench in the last two games and he’s frustrated about it. The decision was not conclusively explained to him. Pavard is also unhappy that he doesn’t have a regular CB role, which he hoped for this season. [@Plettigoal] pic.twitter.com/M5abydCgkN
– Bayern and Germany (@iMiaSanMia) October 30, 2022
Another problematic position for the Red Devils is right back. Diogo Dalot has established himself as the undisputed starter, having been a starter in all the games this season.
He has no viable alternatives with Ten Hag, who is not the biggest fan of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has played just four minutes this campaign.
“I have to mention that I think a club like Man Utd needs two good full-backs because we have a lot of games to cover,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports while discussing Dalot’s merits.
And that has meant that the 20-time English champions are actively searching for the right profile for the right-back position. And if recent reports are to be believed, one of his old transfer targets could make a comeback.
Pavard in, AWB out?
Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard was actively considering a move in the summer after the Bavarian giants landed Matthijs De Ligt.
But the Frenchman ended up staying, but SPORT 1 now reports that the defender is showing ‘frustration’ at his current situation.
The 26-year-old has started 11 times in 17 games this campaign, playing the full game just eight times. And that has not gone down well with the player who feels that he should be more on the pitch.
The new arrivals of De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have further complicated matters and “neither the club nor the player are very interested in extending” the player’s contract which runs until 2024.
And that could once again force the World Cup winner to “seriously think” about leaving and United could come back for him if Ten Hag see him as the missing link in their squad. His versatility could be another big help, as Pavard can also play in central defense.
He is currently valued at €30m by Transfermarkt and if the player insists on a move, he could be available for an even cheaper price. If the Reds can get rid of Wan-Bissaka for a good deal, a move for Pavard could be in the offing.
