Erik ten Hag says Manchester United let one player down in pre-season against Arsenal

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Manchester United’s squad was short of available full-backs last season and 2024/25 has begun in the same way.

Manchester United’s USA tour squad contained just one available senior full-back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

This was down to Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot’s Euro 2024 involvement, while Tyrell Malacia has stayed at Carrington to train individually.

This meant in the second half against Arsenal in pre-season, Manchester United had to use winger James Scanlon at right-back.

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Erik ten Hag on James Scanlon

James Scanlon is one of 12 Manchester United academy players taken on tour, who are without a first team start to their name for the club.

Scanlon is an exciting attacking player, one of three 17-year-olds on tour with the group.

This was the first ever time Scanlon had played at right-back, which in itself was a cry for help from Erik ten Hag for more depth.

Arsenal’s winner came from an attack down Scanlon’s side, when Gabriel Martinelli cut across him and shot into the bottom corner.

Speaking after the game, manager Erik ten Hag made clear that he felt Scanlon deserved better protection for the goal and absolved him of blame.

Ten Hag told United media: “We had a player playing full-back for the first time in his life and then you have to play against experienced Premier League players, that is not easy.

“I think at the second goal we let him down a little bit and we could help him there by giving him a little bit more support by supporting or covering.”

Scanlon will be keen for attacking role

Manchester United have two more pre-season matches, set to face Real Betis and then Liverpool.

Scanlon will be glad to get on the pitch at all, you have to take whatever opportunities come your way at 17. But he will also be desperate to play in his preferred attacking role.

Erik ten Hag will at least respect the versatility demonstrated by Scanlon, and largely he did very well.

The boss added: “Overall I think the team played a good performance and we could have drawn this game.”