Manchester United season review: Outside Defenders
By Josh McSwain
As we continue to review the various positions from last season, today we look at the outside defenders:
Antonio Valencia
Valencia has been one of the most reliable players for United on the back-end over the past few years; and once again he did not disappoint this season. He was tied with Eric Bailly for the team lead among defenders with 2.4 tackles per game, and once again provided a little bit on the offensive end as he scored a goal against Middlesbrough in league play and added three assists.
Even at 31, he doesn’t show many signs of slowing down. He is one of the most reliable guys that you will find in the Premier League at his position; plays both sides of the field. But if there is one Achilles heel in his game it would be his passing. He was in the middle of the team in successful passing percentage at 85.8% this past year.
Luke Shaw
Shaw was once seen as the answer at the left back position not just for United but for the English national team as well. The young man has had his moments but has just never been able to be consistent enough to establish himself, with most of the blame being placed on an inability to stay healthy. He had a decent campaign in the Europa League but could not hold his place in the starting lineup in the Premier League.
If there is something positive to say about Shaw, it’s that he does dribble well and can operate in the short passing game. He’s never going to be much of an offensive force as he has no goals and just three assists since his debut with Southampton in the 2012-13 campaign. He may have Mourinho’s confidence for now, but he should be on notice.
Daley Blind
Blind is not anything special in his own right, but he is a very good player to keep around. He is versatile and can play center back and on the outside as well as move into the midfield. He was much more effective on the backline than he was in the midfield this past season, with his best position being the defensive left back position. His lone goal of the season came from that position and racked up another two assists.
Blind is one of those guys that Louis Van Gaal would love as he is good at possessing the ball and does a good job passing and in intercepting and in tackling. The Dutch international is a valuable player for United.
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Ashley Young
At 32, Young’s best days appear to be behind him. He made just eight appearances in the Premier League and four in the Europa League. He can move up and play in the midfield sometimes as well and still holds the ball well.
At this point, it would not surprise me if Young were to move on sometime soon. He still could provide veteran leadership for a different locker room, but not at Old Trafford. He’s had some good years since coming over from Aston Villa but it may be time to move on.
Matteo Darmian
The Italian was a rarity in the Premier League last season with just 15 appearances and three starts. He’s a guy who loves to tackle as he averaged 2.3 per game in Premier League action and 3.9 in the Europa League. He was most commonly seen on the left side of the backline with 16 appearances overall, but he was easily the most effective on the right side.
Next: Season review: Centre Backs
With Valencia manning that side, it is possible he leaves for greener pastures soon. Rumors have put him going back to his home country of Italy, particularly if United makes a move for Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic.