One of the many criticisms facing Manchester United this season is the lack of end product from Ruben Amorim’s wing-backs, who are crucial to any 3-4-2-1 system.
Ruben Amorim made two additions to his Manchester United first-team in January, with one being Danish left wing-back Patrick Dorgu in a transfer from Lecce.
Dorgu regularly features in Amorim’s line-up at left wing-back and faces competition from Diogo Dalot, depending on the opponent. On the opposite flank, it’s a toss-up between Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui and Dalot.
This has led to an idea about former United wide players who would have helped transform Amorim’s criticised system in their prime. Luckily for United fans of previous generations, the list could be a lot longer than five.
Five former Man Utd stars that would fix Ruben Amorim’s issues at wing-back
It shouldn’t need explaining that this piece is purely hypothetical and that nobody is expecting Ineos to start cloning former legends like Gordon Hill and Bryan Robson.
Instead, acknowledging the genius of former players, we are considering a few stars who would help transform Amorim’s system even in the modern game.
The main focus for these wide players is that they all have attributes that would thrive under Amorim, such as crossing or the ability to get up and down the flank.
Antonio Valencia
Antonio Valencia joined United from Wigan in 2009 as a winger and later became a brilliant right-back, spending a total of 10 years at Old Trafford.
The former Ecuador international made 339 appearances for United, scoring 25 goals and registering an impressive 58 assists.
A wide player with Valencia’s strength and pace would make a huge difference to Amorim’s side. Forward players like Benjamin Sesko would be able to feed on his low but powerful crosses into the penalty area like Wayne Rooney did many years ago.
Gary Neville
Gary Neville is up there with the best right-backs in United’s history and there is little reason to doubt that he would thrive in the modern game as a wing-back.
The former United captain was renowned for his overlapping runs to support David Beckham in attack, and his crossing ability can be grossly underrated by many who have short memories.
Neville’s main responsibility as a full-back was to defend, but he was also responsible for 49 assists.
Patrice Evra
There was a period of time when Patrice Evra was the best left-back in Europe, which was evident in 2008 when United won the Champions League after beating Chelsea in the Moscow final. The Frenchman arrived from Monaco in 2006, having already played in a Champions League final.
Evra brought plenty of pace to United’s attack down the years and linked up brilliantly with players like Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at the club.
There isn’t a better left-back or wing-back in modern football than prime Evra.
David Beckham
English football has developed a player with Beckham’s crossing abilities, and his ability on the ball made him a versatile midfielder who could play centrally and run all day.
Beckham went on to make a total of 394 appearances for United, which included 85 goals and 121 assists. His goal creation ability would help United’s forwards reach double figures every season, and that is an asset for any team looking to score goals.
The main worry would be Beckham having to get back and defend without the help of Neville.
Denis Irwin
Denis Irwin would be perfect on Amorim’s side for several reasons. His consistency was second to none, and he was as good going forward as he was defending.
The former Republic of Ireland international was a gem of a player and one any manager would be lucky to have.
Irwin scored 33 goals for United and recorded 25 assists at a time when the full-back’s main responsibility was to defend.
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