Marcus Rashford finally received a procedure on his left shoulder, after nagging him for months. The good news is that he is confirmed to be recovering well, however, Rashford will undoubtedly be out for the beginning of the season. United is expected to be without Rashford until at least October, so it’s time for Ole to start looking for replacement options on the left-wing for Rashford’s recovery period. The top names to fill the gap in the lineup (in no order) are James, Sancho, Martial, Greenwood, and Pogba. Below describes how each player could fill in for United.
Daniel James
Don’t get it twisted; Daniel James is a natural left-winger. He moved over to cover the right-hand side after United balked on the Sancho deal in the Summer 2020 window, but he traditionally played on the left. This formation would see along with James on the left, Martial and Cavani up top, with Sancho on the right. Mason Greenwood gets minutes when called upon. James would still have backup from a plethora of depth players on rotation.
The main reason for James having a solid chance to start at the beginning of the season comes from his recent form. Daniel James was one of the best players at the Euro 2020 tournament this past summer. He only played rotationally last season and shows no signs of fatigue. Due to his pace, James would likely play as a wide winger with Sancho coming in as more of an inverted one. His quick runs match Luke Shaw well and could be a good outlet point for United. However, questions remain over his finishing ability and may lead Ole to look elsewhere to fill the void left from Rashford.
Jadon Sancho
New-boy Sancho will start for United as soon as he is fit to do so. For Dortmund, Sancho featured mainly on the right. However, if called upon, he can start on the left. The reason for his consideration is his versatility. Jadon Sancho slots in as one of the most technical players in United’s squad this year. For Sancho to start on the left, Martial would be upfront and Greenwood on the right.
Personally, I don’t see him starting on the left. He is a right-winger all the way and should get comfortable playing there. While he has the ability to roam on the left, he just doesn’t belong there. Ole should get him in his natural position straight away: the right-wing.
Martial and Greenwood
Anthony Martial started his United career on the left wing and was decently efficient there. Yet, Martial has made it known that he prefers to start at striker and is expected to be United’s no 9 this season. When Edison Cavani returns from injury things could change though. Martial might seek minutes and be open to solidifying his spot on United’s squad by rotating on the left. Mason Greenwood also will desire gametime so the option would be open for him too. This formation would see Greenwood and Martial rotating on the left when they aren’t starting at striker.
The issue with this formation is the players’ desire to be out of their true role. Martial does not want to be a winger again and Greenwood prefers the right or the center. There exists an opportunity for both players to improve their game and stats by filling the void left by Rashford. Greenwood especially could benefit from the open spot and gain notability in the lineup.
This formation would go into effect to push Tony into the lineup when Cavani starts. It also allows Greenwood to get key developmental minutes. However, either of them starting on the left feels more forced than a true fit.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba looks set to stay for the final season of his contract. It might be time to stop trying to make United’s lineup fit for Pogba and make Pogba fit into United’s lineup. He has every tool needed to be successful on the left wing and Pogba excels without massive defensive duties. Pogba started on the left to get Rashdford a break near the end of last season so it isn’t out of the question for him to play there in the coming one.
Pogba on the left makes a lot of sense. United can finally let van de Beek run out in the midfield role and still have the Bruno-Pogba linkup. The Frenchman is one of the most talented players in world football and is considered by some to be undroppable.
In my personal opinion, the best chance for United to win games this season with Rashford is by putting Pogba on the left with James to play understudy. Both lads have the ability and desire to play on the left. Additionally, more spots open up in the United squad for rotationally players to get games.
GGMU. Written by CJ Szaz.
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