Manchester United is nearly there in its crawl back into the Top 4 and qualification for Europe, and a big reason why has been a makeshift defensive unit that finds a way regardless of injuries or suspensions.
United legend Gary Pallister, a four-time Premier League winner at the heart of the United defense, took the time to answer a few questions from us at The Busby Babe about the defensive group, particularly the center backs. The Q&A was arranged courtesy of BetBrain and included insight from the serial
title winner on each of United’s core defenders.
On the current group of defenders, Pallister was impressed with Matthijs De Ligt until an injury ruled him out for much of the rest of the season. The Dutchman has yet to return, but United fans are hopeful he can return to the form that helped United recover from a poor start under Ruben Amorim.
“I thought De Ligt was having a really good season until he got injured,” Pallister said. “It’s a back injury, and I suffered back injuries toward the end of my career at United. It was frustrating, and kept me out for a month to six weeks at a time. He’s been out since November, so that’s a concern. How bad is it, is it an operation? Certainly, when you start messing around with backs, that’s tough.”
Pallister also offered praise to Harry Maguire, who has continued a strong run of form, and Lisandro Martinez.
“I think Harry has proven himself to be first choice at United,” he said. “He’s had a terrific season, and Martinez… I like his attitude, I think he’s a terrific passer of the ball, and brings a toughness to the team that we maybe don’t have when he’s not in the team. Can be a bit rash at times as we saw last week.”
He also looked to the younger players who have had to step up due to injuries and suspensions this season. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven have both had to carry the load a bit this season, with mixed results for the young defenders.
“The one that’s a bit worrying to me is Yoro. He looked as though he’d learned a lot towards the end of last season, become a stronger player, but he hasn’t kicked on this year,” Pallister said. “He’s had injuries as well to play a part, but he’s got quite a bit to do to push back into the first XI. Heaven had a really good game against Chelsea the other night, playing alongside Mazraoui in a makeshift. He’s got a tendency to be rash at times, but he’s only 19. To be playing for United at that age speaks volumes. I wouldn’t be overly concerned if we didn’t buy another center half during the transfer window. I think we’ve got bigger needs, go big on a midfield and on a center forward.”
He also noted the demands of playing as a defender in the modern game. Even in teams that sit back, the ability to pass cleanly and progress the ball through pressure is an obvious demand for any Premier League team.
Defenders also can’t get away with some of the same tackles as they used to…
“You can’t tackle from behind as much,” he said with a chuckle. “Back in my day it was always an unwritten rule, you were allowed a wild challenge. You could smash the center forward, get the warning off the referee not to tdo that again. Obviously you’ve got to be so much better ont he ball. The way these teams play high risk football from the back frustrates me. Why give teams a chance to nick the ball on the edge of the box and give away a cheap ball.
Finally, Pallister offered his thoughts on where United should turn next when it looks to improve the squad. The return to European competition will add some extra funds in the summer, and regardless of who the permanent manager will be there are clear positions of need. Pallister gave his take on where the club should turn next in terms of summer recruitment, offering his thoughts on strengthening the midfield, especially given the departure of Casemiro.
“Man United should look to strengthen the midfield in the summer transfer window,” Pallister said. “Sandro Tonali at Newcastle has got the creative ability, along with the mental and physical toughness you need to be part of United’s midfield core. It’s a position which has historically held a lot of authority and depending on the player’s performance in the middle of the park, they can impact the result without necessarily contributing a goal or an assist. Casemiro – who has had a great season and proven many wrong – is leaving at the club and I think Tonali would be a great replacement, who could bring younger legs and more freshness to the midfield.”
