Erik ten Hag has undoubtedly not been helped by the abundance of injuries that have plagued Manchester United throughout the season, even though it cannot be used as an excuse to hide what has at times been a dismal and frustrating campaign for the team.

For nearly the whole of 2023–24, the Dutchman has been forced to live without his former Ajax star, Lisandro Martinez. The World Cup champion has only been able to make ten appearances across all competitions thus far.

There has been a genuine air of instability in the center-back ranks as a result of the problems that have not been helped by individual problems for players like Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof at different points during the season.

The Red Devils’ most pressing issue, though, is undoubtedly at left-back, where Luke Shaw’s injury may keep him out until the end of the campaign and Tyrell Malacia, the forgotten man and backup, hasn’t played a minute this season because of his own injury woes.

The Man Utd absence sheet

Participant

Injury/Excuse for Missing Work

Possible date of return

Luke Shaw

Leg

November 5, 2024

Martinez Lisandro

Knee

06/04/2024

Amad Diallo

Hanging

April 4, 2024

Tyrell Malacia

Knee

?

Evans Jonny

Other

March 30, 2024

Bayindir Altay

straining of the muscles

March 30, 2024

Casemiro

harm to the muscles

March 30, 2024

Anthony Martial

Hip, Pelvic, and Groyne

March 30, 2024

Ten Hag has very few options in that role after Sergio Reguilon’s loan deal was terminated in January due to a break clause, and Alvaro Fernandez moved to Benfica on a temporary basis. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the most recent temporary replacement during the team’s victory over Liverpool.

Even though United will probably try to get a replacement left-sided defender this summer, Ten Hag could want to explore within his academy, as there is one teenager who might be able to follow in the footsteps of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

The record of Bukayo Saka at Arsenal

Although Saka’s impressive recent influence at the Emirates as the face of Mikel Arteta’s title contenders is difficult to overlook, United supporters may not be too eager to acknowledge the form of a rival star.

The England international, who is still only 22 years old, has already contributed 31 goals and 55 assists this season across 216 games across all competitions for the Gunners.

Bukayo, Saka, and Arsenal
Saka is almost definitely going to be at the centre of things if Arsenal are to succeed in any way this season or beyond. The wing wizard has a propensity for just terrorising opponents down the right flank.

You may wonder why this is pertinent to United. According to what is remembered, the Three Lions star did, in fact, play a large portion of his early career in the Gunners first team as a left-back, appearing in that position 17 times during the 2019–20 campaign.

Saka, who made his full debut for the team at the age of just 17 in 2018, alternated between playing in that defensive position and a more advanced role in the youth set-up. He was able to fill a void at full-back initially before developing into the devastating right-winger that Premier League defences now dread.

United Kobbie-Mainoo-Man
Intriguingly, Bendito Mantato, a teenager who is now making waves, may be United’s next big thing. He has the ability to follow Saka’s footsteps.

Numbers from Bendito Mantato’s season

Saka was only a year older when he was given an opportunity at the Emirates, so it may not be too long before the United player plays for Ten Hag, even though Mantato’s 16-year-old age may appear early for him to make the first team.

Due to his versatility as a left-back or right flanker, Mantato is currently attracting interest from opposing clubs, as the Manchester Evening News recently disclosed. The report also drew comparisons between Saka and the young player.

Mbappe: World Cup In The Works

Football Football’s top wonderkids are uncovered by FanCast’s In the Pipeline series. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have the next Mbappe in their academy?

If the most recent reports are to be believed, though, the thrilling “wonderkid” (according to U23 scout Antonio Mango) appears to be staying there as he has already verbally agreed to scholarship terms with his current team.

Given Mantato’s resemblance to Saka, signing him to a new contract would undoubtedly be in United’s best interests. The budding star has been on fire this season, netting five goals in just five U18 Premier League games.

This includes a spectacular four goals in the team’s most recent comeback triumph over Blackburn Rovers. Mantato’s first goal demonstrated his Saka-like skill as he skillfully danced into the area before cutting in on his preferred left foot and scoring.

Mantato has already been seen in first-team training in recent weeks, adding to hopes that he is the next big thing to come off the club’s talent conveyor belt at a time when Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are dominating in the senior levels.

Of course, a lot of the hype may revolve around his current wing-back prowess, but given United’s left-back situation and Shaw’s ongoing injury problems, the teenage sensation might be a wildcard addition.

Given that Mantato just made his U21 debut against West Bromwich Albion, Ten Hag should definitely take his elevation into consideration. He has filled that role for England’s U16 team several times this season.

Investing in a player so young may be risky, but considering Arsenal’s Mainoo, Garnacho, and Saka as examples, going via the academy ranks is frequently a smart move.

Bendito Mantato, like that man Mango said, “remember the name”…