Manchester United have been forced into multiple defensive partnerships over the past few years.
The Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era has come full circle, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof the two putting in a phenomenal shift against Luton Town on Saturday.
But this certainly wasn’t Erik ten Hag‘s vision. He signed Lisandro Martinez to partner Raphael Varane at the back, but thanks to injury complications for the Argentine and a downright shock turn in form which has led to little game time for the 30-year-old – we’re back to good old Maguire and Lindelof.
United will inevitably need another centre-back with Varane’s tenure at Old Trafford moving closer and closer to conclusion – but they may not even have to spend a penny.
Manchester United soon to be short of centre-backs
Manchester United took on a more ruthless approach in the summer, selling anyone they deemed surplus to requirements.
In the defensive areas, the likes of Teden Mengi, Marc Jurado, Eric Bailly and more were all waved goodbye.
The clearout was that intense from Ten Hag, that United’s loan list this season actually only extends to just five players – with only one centre-back. That man? Will Fish.
Will Fish could be Manchester United’s Raphael Varane solution
Ten Hag decided to send Fish on loan this season to Hibernian – where he’s been playing really well.
He’s established himself as a firm starter in the Hibs XI. The English centre-back is getting a reputation for being ever-reliable and consistent. Just take a look at his last eight games.
- Will Fish vs St Johnstone: 7.7 Rating
- Will Fish vs Dundee: 7.7 Rating
- Will Fish vs Hearts: 7.4 Rating
- Will Fish vs Rangers 7.0 Rating
- Will Fish vs Celtic 7.4 Rating
- Will Fish vs Ross County: 7.1 Rating
- Will Fish vs St Mirren: 6.6 Rating
- Will Fish vs Kilmarnock: 7.5 Rating
Sourced from Sofa Score. This is an average rating of 7.3, across tough games like Rangers and Celtic – which is mightily impressive.
Fish won’t cost a penny – but obviously won’t be the full fix
There must have been a reason Ten Hag didn’t sell Fish – he evidently sees something there he didn’t with others.
If Fish continues his fine form, there’s no reason why he can’t become a part of the rotation of United centre-backs. After all – he won’t cost a penny, which is a big plus for the Red Devils currently.
With injuries coming thick and fast, along with the fact that it looks like Varane is slowly falling out of favour at the club, Fish could definitely be a valuable asset in the future.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/ea7pLtr