Manchester United must upgrade their position if they want to compete for the championship

Manchester United is showing improvement, but to compete for the Premier League title, they must upgrade the full-back position, a weakness that has persisted for many years.

Manchester United is showing signs of improvement under Michael Carrick when Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot are utilized in their preferred positions. This duo contributed to a streak of 7 wins in 9 matches, helping the team significantly improve their gameplay. However, behind this progress, the full-back position remains a major bottleneck if "The Red Devils" want to rise to a higher level.

For over a decade, Man United has never truly solved the problem of the two flank corridors. From expensive signings to temporary solutions, the team at Old Trafford has continuously "tried and erred" without finding a stable answer. The total sum of approximately £150 million spent on full-backs over 12 years is too little compared to rivals like Manchester City, who spent over £100 million in just one summer for this position.

Shaw remains a reliable choice in terms of experience, but he cannot sustain the attacking explosiveness he once had. Persistent injuries have affected the English defender's physical condition, raising questions about his long-term contribution as he has passed the peak of his career. His very limited contribution to the attacking front also makes Shaw no longer fully suited to the demands of a modern full-back.

On the opposite flank, Dalot has a good physical foundation and performs quite steadily under Carrick, but the weakness still lies in his ability to handle decisive situations. Inaccurate crosses or moments of loss of concentration often make him the focus of criticism. Despite improvement, Dalot has not yet reached the level of a full-back who can make a difference.

In the context of Man United needing to rebuild the squad, the midfield with the problem of replacing Casemiro is certainly a priority. However, if they continue to neglect the full-back position, the team will struggle to make real progress. To return to the title race, Man United cannot just improve the midfield; they need a "transformation" in the defensive flanks. Upgrading Shaw and Dalot is no longer an option but has become a mandatory requirement if "The Red Devils" want to advance to a new level.