Man Utd's defensive woes

In the past few seasons, Manchester United has been very unlucky on the injury front. Given the depth of their squad and the strength of their manager’s will, they have somehow pulled through. As the 2012-13 season kicks off the manager faces a defensive crisis of sorts, thanks to injuries to key players. In some way, it reminds us of the 2009-10 season, which was a defensive nightmare with injury layoffs.

Having signed two very high potential defenders in previous transfer windows in the form of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, the United manager would have considered them decent back-up when it came to defence. With the injury to Nemanja Vidic last season, Jonny Evans came good and went on to have his best season in the Red shirt. Rio Ferdinand, written off by some, made a comeback from injury last season to stay fit and lead the way for United. With Rafael da Silva and Patrice Evra, United seemed solid for the new season.

With injuries to Smalling forcing him out for another couple of months and a back problem forcing Jones out for a month, it seems that the new season will not start as solidly as the manager had hoped. While Evans needs more training time before coming on the pitch after his own injury layoff, Vidic is still some games away from hundred percent while Evra is on a constant decline. Rafael seems more like a winger than a defender, switching off at key moments. With Rio limited to 30-odd games with his back problem, it seems that defence is likely to be a headache for Alex Ferguson.

With a deal for a left-back still somewhat distant, there is no cover for Evra, who despite starting most of the games is becoming a liability for the team, making costly mistakes the last season. The departure of Ezekiel Fryers to Spu means there is no cover for the left-back position.

This makes it imminent that Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia might feature in the defence in the opening few matches, putting strain on United’s limited midfield resources. Also, Valencia is too good a winger to play right back. Unless United can keep Rio and Vidic fit for the opening month and a half, it would be very difficult for the manager at the back.

Ferguson did give opportunity to youngsters from the reserve team in the back-four during the preseason. They might get first team football in case the crisis prolongs. But, unless the defence stays in good shape, Ferguson will have a problem like the 2009-10 season.

Manchester United’s coaching staff can have a defensive crisis to deal with.