Manchester United began their pre-season with a 0-1 loss to Wrexham, but Michael Carrick will have seen a unique wonderkid in his ranks.
Two different XIs got to play 45 minutes each for Man Utd in their loss against Wrexham, where the main focus was fitness.
The youngsters in the second half were surprisingly better than the senior contingent in the first, and that will simultaneously worry and delight Michael Carrick.
The latter feeling is mostly down to one player who has such a unique profile that he can be a sneaky breakout contender this year.
Name your biggest positive and biggest negative from Man Utd’s game vs Wrexham…
The stats showed how well Man Utd played vs Wrexham…
Dan Armer looks like the real deal
Last summer, Man Utd’s defensive ranks were so rich that even Ayden Heaven could barely get a look in.
Therefore, Dan Armer flew under the radar despite putting in some strong performances for the academy sides at both the U18s and U21s levels.
Armer has a unique profile, especially for English football, as he’s a left-footed centre-back who is silky on the ball while having the physicality of a traditional English defender.
He has been compared to Harry Maguire for that reason, but his left-footedness opens up unique passing angles on the pitch.
Against Wrexham, he showed why he’s the real deal, expertly dealing with Kieffer Moore’s threat while playing alongside Jacob Devaney, who’s not a natural centre-back.
Moore is a seasoned striker in the English game, so the challenge was tough for Armer.
Not only did he do his job defensively, but he also didn’t let that challenge take away from his repertoire on the ball.
He showed press resistance, forward passing, and the ability to pass under pressure in a difficult game. Most importantly, the dynamics of United’s defence are about to change.
Armer’s breakthrough happening at perfect time for Man Utd
Football changes quickly, and the defensive ranks that looked so rich at the start of last season will be in need of retooling at the start of next season.
Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are injured too frequently – Should either or both be sold in the summer?
Let us know your view!
Lisandro Martinez has had a great World Cup, but his contract is entering the final 12 months while he fights injury worries.
Matthijs de Ligt’s fitness situation is similarly dire, while Harry Maguire is in the last 12 months of his deal as well.
The club have an option to extend their deals, but that’s a lot of uncertainty, without even taking into account that Leny Yoro needs to prove himself this season.
As such, Armer has a clear opening to take advantage of if he gets a chance in the first team this season. His unique profile sets him apart, and the breakthrough is happening at the perfect time from a squad planning perspective.
Things are coming together.
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