Why Manchester United have an answer to their defensive frailties in their team already

Following a catastrophic summer transfer window, Manchester United might be now looking into their senior squad and thinking of pressing the rewind button.

With only three matchdays gone in the Premier League, the team already suffered two horrific defeats to Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur with two shambolic 3-1 and 6-1 scorelines in succession at Old Trafford, and their defence has had played a minimal role to impress those watching from their home.

There surely are worrying signs for those already-exasperated United supporters all around the world — it’s their defensive dilemma that remains unsolved.

Manchester United have conceded 11, equal to the same record of Fulham and two less than West Bromwich Albion’s 13.

United actually went into the summer transfer window thinking of bringing home a centre-back, but the culmination of the market saw them finishing their hunt without having one.

Red-faced, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might not have expected that.

So, what is next?

United currently have an abundance of centre-backs in their roster.

Including Teden Mengi, the Red Devils possess seven names under their senior ranks in the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Axel Tuanzebe, and Eric Bailly.

There are some big-money buys, some internationals, and some young blood — all ingredients a manager needs to organize a solid defence.

But do they have that left-footed centre-back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was talking about following their 5-2 home victory against AFC Bournemouth last season?

The simple answer of this question — no!

Manchester United used several formations last season. One of the notable ones was 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 (while defending).

Considering United’s tumultuous defensive state, it won’t be surprising should Solskjaer go back to utilize that formation yet again. And there is a general feeling that he would consider doing it.

Should that be the case, Manchester United might witness the return of Luke Shaw in the back-three.

With United making the signing of Alex Telles from Porto over the summer transfer window, Shaw might finally lose his starting place to the Brazilian full-back this time.

The 25-year-old left-back impressed with his defensive duties last season several times while given the opportunity to flourish as a left-sided centre-back in a back five.

Shaw has the pace that complements his defensive partners. He is physically strong and can cope with immense pressure endorsed by the opposition wingers.

That being said, it would be interesting to see how he manages to ply his trades in a back-four if he plays there sooner than later.

Due to the shortest pre-season in the club’s history, this group of United players hasn’t had got that facility to prepare themselves ahead of the turbulent 2020-21 season.

And hence, it’s believed some kind of idleness is working amongst them, resulting in the team putting in horrendous performances against the teams the reds should beat on their day.

Luke Shaw, a £27m signing from Southampton in 2014, holds all the qualities it needs to become a make-shift centre-back.

For Bayern Munich, David Alaba has had been successfully doing this week in, week out.

And for Manchester United, Luke Shaw could make that happen as well. However, the only factor devotees would be interested to see is when and how it truly unfolds.