Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to have made a decision about the future of his two defenders: Eric Bailly and Ashley Young. Solskjaer will give Bailly one more chance, but will open the door for Ashley Young.
Solskjaer is said to be overhauling the MU squad on a large scale to look at next season. After a bad season, Solskjaer became aware of the real condition of the MU squad.
In his early days as an interim coach, Solskjaer could see the rise of MU’s game. However, the movement turned out to be only temporary. MU again slumped at the end of the season and only able to finish in sixth place.
Failure means that MU must strengthen the squad to wade next season, and that step begins by removing players who are less useful and bring additional new energy.
One inevitable fact: the MU defender is still inadequate. Solskjaer has tried various defender combinations this season, but their quality is indeed lacking. When compared with the defense forces of Liverpool and Manchester City, MU is far behind.
Names like Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly have not been able to meet MU standards. Unfortunately, those names were the best options Solskjaer had.
Previously, MU was called to continue to pursue several candidates for central defenders such as Matthijs de Ligt, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Harry Maguire. However, according to the latest ESPN report, Solsjaer was said to have slightly lowered MU’s interest in these tough defenders and would expect Bailly’s strength.
Solskjaer believes he can boost Bailly’s performance in preseason, and will make it the first choice next season.
Instead, MU is said to be prioritizing the search for right-back to compete with Diogo Dalot. Antonio Valencia, who filled the post, was too old, and Ashley Young – although he could play in both positions.
Reportedly, Solskjaer wants a right-back who has experience in the Premier League, also still young. Aarron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace was set to be the main target.
At the left back post, Luke Shaw is still the mainstay. Solskjaer might rely on MU academics as a liner if Shaw is injured or cannot play.
The center back post is a little more complicated. Manchester United need a ready defender, like Liverpool’s move when buying Virgil van Dijk. The problem is, buying a defender with such quality requires a lot of money.
