Is he though? I struggle to see him providing the kind of offensive dynamism that Amorim seems to expect from his wing backs. In fact, he may be the current United player I struggle most to see fitting in.
Wing-back prospects
- Thread starter The White Pele
- Start date
Not if the forward three is more of a two #10s behind a striker sort of setup, which apparently it is. In that case it's Bruno and Mount/Amad who's looking like the probable fits.
Regret selling Wan Bissaka now
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@TheReligion , as promised, I looked up the two full backs that impressed me at Sunderland when I was keeping up with Amad's loan, and they are Dennis Cirkin (LB) and Trai Hume (RB). Both are currently 22 and have seemingly started every game this season for Sunderland as they sit top of the table.
Cirkin seems to be performing the better of the two. According to whoscored, he's one of the highest rated full backs in the league, is second for dribbles completed, has the most tackles won out of any FB, has the most interceptions, and has scored twice.
Hume seemingly hasn't been as impressive but still good. Back to Amad's loan and this guy stood out because him, Amad and Patrick Roberts tore opposition teams to shreds with their link-up play that season. Amongst the full backs of the league, Hume is 4th in tackles won, 3rd in interceptions, has blocked the most crosses, 8th in chances created. The bad part is that he's only completed 2 dribbles this season which is a problem if you want him to play as a wing back.
As I said, I'm not sure if these guys are good enough to step up (especially when you factor in they're playing as full backs and we may be transitioning into a team that plays wing backs), but they're the two that stood out to me a couple of seasons ago, and Cirkin especially seems to be developing well.
Cirkin seems to be performing the better of the two. According to whoscored, he's one of the highest rated full backs in the league, is second for dribbles completed, has the most tackles won out of any FB, has the most interceptions, and has scored twice.
Hume seemingly hasn't been as impressive but still good. Back to Amad's loan and this guy stood out because him, Amad and Patrick Roberts tore opposition teams to shreds with their link-up play that season. Amongst the full backs of the league, Hume is 4th in tackles won, 3rd in interceptions, has blocked the most crosses, 8th in chances created. The bad part is that he's only completed 2 dribbles this season which is a problem if you want him to play as a wing back.
As I said, I'm not sure if these guys are good enough to step up (especially when you factor in they're playing as full backs and we may be transitioning into a team that plays wing backs), but they're the two that stood out to me a couple of seasons ago, and Cirkin especially seems to be developing well.
Thank you!
Appreciate the post and the videos. Always like looking at Championship talent as it’s an area we both agree is untapped by United and should be explored more.
Have any other players caught your eye?
Do we think Maz will be LWB with Dalot RWB?
I actually think one of them will be rcb
I haven't watched any Championship football (well, much football outside of United and classic stuff) for a while now.
When I was looking up those two it was interesting to see that the top 3 highest rated players in the league were all full/wing backs, though!
The highest rated player in the league so far this season is 24 year old Alfie Doughty from Luton who plays as a left wing back. Second is someone you mentioned on the previous page: Harrison Burrows. Then third is Cirkin. All left sided players to boot!
I would like you to look at Burrows and come back to me with your thoughts?
Here me out on this one - Ben Chilwell on loan in January.
If we're skint then we may need to rely on free transfers and loans.
I know he's had his injury issues (so would have a point to prove) and is completely out of favour with Maresca (and it's no secret the club would be happy to let him go)
I wouldn't touch him at LB but he's played his best stuff at LWB and a loan with buy obligation (for certain amount of games) whilst trying to get Davies/Theo/Ait-Nouri/Kerkez etc. in the summer doesn't seem like a terrible idea.
Could also give Reguillon another go (think his contract is up summer 2025?) if Chilwell doesn't work out.
Just trying to think of bargain back-ups really.
If we're skint then we may need to rely on free transfers and loans.
I know he's had his injury issues (so would have a point to prove) and is completely out of favour with Maresca (and it's no secret the club would be happy to let him go)
I wouldn't touch him at LB but he's played his best stuff at LWB and a loan with buy obligation (for certain amount of games) whilst trying to get Davies/Theo/Ait-Nouri/Kerkez etc. in the summer doesn't seem like a terrible idea.
Could also give Reguillon another go (think his contract is up summer 2025?) if Chilwell doesn't work out.
Just trying to think of bargain back-ups really.
Doughty is someone we should be looking at as well. Was very good for Luton in that wingback position. Killer delivery to boot.
Yeah injury record makes it a no go, considering shaw and Malacia’s injury record recently, but would’ve been an astute signing on loan.
I just watched this video of him:
Unfortunately, this is last season in league one as there doesn't seem to be anything on him so far this season in the championship. Still, it was enough to get some idea of him as a player.
He seems to have a very good strike on him whether it's a cross or a shot, but the the thing that stood out was his vision. Not only is he good at picking his teammates out for a cross, it seems like his passing in general is quite versatile as he played some nice through balls in those highlights.
The thing about highlight videos is that it's hard to get a grasp of their general play, though. He made some good tackles in that video but I can't really comment about the defensive side of his game because a lot of it comes down to positioning.
To me, and this is just at first glance, it looks like he could definitely become a PL level full back assuming he's carrying this form into this season at a higher level. A wing back, though? Well, he seems comfortable on the ball, but I don't know if he's much of a dribbler, which isn't that much of a problem at FB but I feel like a WB needs to be good in that area as they will be more isolated out wide in possession.
Have you seen much of him this season at Sheffield United? If so, what are your thoughts on him and whether he could potentially play as a wing back?
- Wingback 1: Geovany Quenda. If we could sign only one player from Sporting CP, it would have to be him (with Gyökeres at the No. 2 spot). Sometimes the obvious signing is the best possible signing.
- Wingback 2: Antonio Nusa. RB Leipzig won't stand in our way if we make an offer that is commensurate with his talent level (it will be a big fee, but alternatives like Kerkez or Aït-Nouri will also cost a bomb).
Also, age profiles that are suited to a brand new project — the former will be 18 years old at the start of next season and the latter will be 20 years old at the start of next season; timely investment in these two could be an astute strategy, considering they are just starting to scratch the surface of their potential. That matches perfectly with seasoned players like Mazraoui, Shaw and Dalot (who could serve as more defensively oriented options in the near term).
The way I see it, we are not likely to compete for the Premier League and Champions League titles right away (on average, that take years of great recruitment and chemistry-building), which gives us the leeway to prioritize and develop lads with extraordinary qualities (and the genuine chance to emerge as dominant performers in the years to come).
Those percentiles are inflated because it's a comparison with midfielders, but the raw numbers are still quite good.
P.S., While I love Garnacho, signing Nusa might make him redundant from a systemic perspective. Garnacho does not boast the sefless characteristics and discipline of a wingback or the close control and combination-play tendencies of a prototypical inside forward in a 3—4—2—1. Unless he unexpectedly adapts to one of those departments, we might have to seriously think about selling him (not because he's not a good talent, but because he's not an optimal fit and could fetch a respectable fee) and signing someone who is naturally suited to the inside forward role (Wirtz is the most obvious solution for the left-sided inside forward role but he will be highly coveted, Güler is suited to the right-sided inside forward role and is not getting much game time at Real Madrid, et cetera). The purpose of a “midfield box” is to dominate in possession, form the basis for relational football and a sustainable supply chain for the center forward, and create numerical advantages, so individual components need to fit specific profiles.
We need wingbacks who has pace and can beat players. Our wingbacks options don’t have these assets, hence it’s frustrated me when I watch our wingbacks last night just playing backwards. If we have wingback with these assets, we would be able to put more crosses in dangerous area and we could score more goals.
Is Quenda the real deal?It's a position of extreme importance, and calls for dynamism, ball-carrying prowess (this is a clear deficiency in the current squad, we struggle to beat people mano-a-mano) and technical expertise in equal measure, and whoop-de-do, both of these players have that in their locker. As talented as some of the best young wingers around, good in possession as well as on counters, and seem quite adaptable.
- Wingback 1: Geovany Quenda. If we could sign only one player from Sporting CP, it would have to be him (with Gyökeres at the No. 2 spot). Sometimes the obvious signing is the best possible signing.
- Wingback 2: Antonio Nusa. RB Leipzig won't stand in our way if we make an offer that is commensurate with his talent level (it will be a big fee, but alternatives like Kerkez or Aït-Nouri will also cost a bomb).
Also, age profiles that are suited to a brand new project — the former will be 18 years old at the start of next season and the latter will be 20 years old at the start of next season; timely investment in these two could be an astute strategy, considering they are just starting to scratch the surface of their potential. That matches perfectly with seasoned players like Mazraoui, Shaw and Dalot (who could serve as more defensively oriented options in the near term).
The way I see it, we are not likely to compete for the Premier League and Champions League titles right away (on average, that take years of great recruitment and chemistry-building), which gives us the leeway to prioritize and develop lads with extraordinary qualities (and the genuine chance to emerge as dominant performers in the years to come).
Those percentiles are inflated because it's a comparison with midfielders, but the raw numbers are still quite good.
P.S., While I love Garnacho, signing Nusa might make him redundant from a systemic perspective. Garnacho does not boast the sefless characteristics and discipline of a wingback or the close control and combination-play tendencies of a prototypical inside forward in a 3—4—2—1. Unless he unexpectedly adapts to one of those departments, we might have to seriously think about selling him (not because he's not a good talent, but because he's not an optimal fit and could fetch a respectable fee) and signing someone who is naturally suited to the inside forward role (Wirtz is the most obvious solution for the left-sided inside forward role but he will be highly coveted, Güler is suited to the right-sided inside forward role and is not getting much game time at Real Madrid, et cetera). The purpose of a “midfield box” is to dominate in possession, form the basis for relational football and a sustainable supply chain for the center forward, and create numerical advantages, so individual components need to fit specific profiles.
Has his trajectory been expected or is he a relative suprise?
How about Nuno Mendes?
The Ispwich kid, Leif Davies, looked like a good prospect to me.
He is a good ball-carrier, seems coordinated and agile, press-resistant, composed in posession, has a knack for lethal first-time passes, and works hard and intelligently enough to operate as a wingback (even though he is a highly regarded winger who had drawn favorable comparisons with Saka). Obviously not close to the finished article, but there's a loooot to like even in the present moment.
This is only from U-17 football, but showcases his dribbling qualities, balance and ball-manipulation skills quite well...
Last year he was playing in the Liga Revelação (for U-23 players) at age 16, scoring versus Spain and England's U-17s, in the summer he starred in the U-17 EUROs as Portugal reached the final, then he made his made his debut for Sporting CP's first team, became the youngest scorer in club history (ahead of Cristiano and Quaresma), established himself as a starting caliber player and was called up for the Portuguese national team. By all accounts this trajectory is just him progressing to higher levels and taking things in his stride to realize his potential.
It's never easy to prognosciate which youngsters are the real deal, which will make the cut (and which will not), but Quenda has smoothly transitioned to first team football after a very encouraging youth career and possesses the skill set to become an important player in the years to come (barring injuries or errant decision-making off the pitch). All of that bodes well for his future prospects.
Very good post.
In my opinion, Quenda will be the first player that Amorim gets from Sporting. I'd put it as the only player but if Hojlund and Zirkzee don't live up to Amorim's expectations and perform in his system, Gyokeres will probably be a target as well.
In the last couple of days, the insistent rumors are that United will try to close the Quenda deal in January and leave him until the end of the season at Sporting. That will enable Quenda to keep evolving at a safe environment and prevent Amorim from breaking his promise of not getting any Sporting player in January.
Quenda has impressed Amorim from day 1 with the latter hailing him as one of the most impressive players he has seen. They seem to have a deep connection. No investment is guaranteed but at 17 years of age and with what he has shown already and his continous steady evolution i think he should be the type of player that United should bet on.
You like Mazraoui? Why not have two of him. Andrea Cambiaso.
Can play about 5 different positions and he's experienced in a back 3 system. Very technically gifted, intelligent tactically and a leader on the pitch who plays with real intensity. I've seen Juve fans call him everything from a Zambrotta regen to peak Cancelo who can defend.
Seems ideal given Amorim's recent quotes about wanting intelligent, multifunctional players.
Can play about 5 different positions and he's experienced in a back 3 system. Very technically gifted, intelligent tactically and a leader on the pitch who plays with real intensity. I've seen Juve fans call him everything from a Zambrotta regen to peak Cancelo who can defend.
Seems ideal given Amorim's recent quotes about wanting intelligent, multifunctional players.
I think it would be better for Quenda to develop at Sporting for at least another full season before coming over. Especially with the deal likely costing over 50m, it would be good to see him over 50 first team games.
He does look very good for a 17 year old in his first season though.
How is Nusa defensively though. Isn't he more of an attacking winger than a box to box wing back?It's a position of extreme importance, and calls for dynamism, ball-carrying prowess (this is a clear deficiency in the current squad, we struggle to beat people mano-a-mano) and technical expertise in equal measure, and whoop-de-do, both of these players have that in their locker. As talented as some of the best young wingers around, good in possession as well as on counters, and seem quite adaptable.
- Wingback 1: Geovany Quenda. If we could sign only one player from Sporting CP, it would have to be him (with Gyökeres at the No. 2 spot). Sometimes the obvious signing is the best possible signing.
- Wingback 2: Antonio Nusa. RB Leipzig won't stand in our way if we make an offer that is commensurate with his talent level (it will be a big fee, but alternatives like Kerkez or Aït-Nouri will also cost a bomb).
Also, age profiles that are suited to a brand new project — the former will be 18 years old at the start of next season and the latter will be 20 years old at the start of next season; timely investment in these two could be an astute strategy, considering they are just starting to scratch the surface of their potential. That matches perfectly with seasoned players like Mazraoui, Shaw and Dalot (who could serve as more defensively oriented options in the near term).
The way I see it, we are not likely to compete for the Premier League and Champions League titles right away (on average, that take years of great recruitment and chemistry-building), which gives us the leeway to prioritize and develop lads with extraordinary qualities (and the genuine chance to emerge as dominant performers in the years to come).
Those percentiles are inflated because it's a comparison with midfielders, but the raw numbers are still quite good.
P.S., While I love Garnacho, signing Nusa might make him redundant from a systemic perspective. Garnacho does not boast the sefless characteristics and discipline of a wingback or the close control and combination-play tendencies of a prototypical inside forward in a 3—4—2—1. Unless he unexpectedly adapts to one of those departments, we might have to seriously think about selling him (not because he's not a good talent, but because he's not an optimal fit and could fetch a respectable fee) and signing someone who is naturally suited to the inside forward role (Wirtz is the most obvious solution for the left-sided inside forward role but he will be highly coveted, Güler is suited to the right-sided inside forward role and is not getting much game time at Real Madrid, et cetera). The purpose of a “midfield box” is to dominate in possession, form the basis for relational football and a sustainable supply chain for the center forward, and create numerical advantages, so individual components need to fit specific profiles.
Ait-Nouri is out of contract in 18 months and Wolves paid €11M for him 3.5 years ago. We should be able to get him for a reasonable price.It's a position of extreme importance, and calls for dynamism, ball-carrying prowess (this is a clear deficiency in the current squad, we struggle to beat people mano-a-mano) and technical expertise in equal measure, and whoop-de-do, both of these players have that in their locker. As talented as some of the best young wingers around, good in possession as well as on counters, and seem quite adaptable.
- Wingback 1: Geovany Quenda. If we could sign only one player from Sporting CP, it would have to be him (with Gyökeres at the No. 2 spot). Sometimes the obvious signing is the best possible signing.
- Wingback 2: Antonio Nusa. RB Leipzig won't stand in our way if we make an offer that is commensurate with his talent level (it will be a big fee, but alternatives like Kerkez or Aït-Nouri will also cost a bomb).
Also, age profiles that are suited to a brand new project — the former will be 18 years old at the start of next season and the latter will be 20 years old at the start of next season; timely investment in these two could be an astute strategy, considering they are just starting to scratch the surface of their potential. That matches perfectly with seasoned players like Mazraoui, Shaw and Dalot (who could serve as more defensively oriented options in the near term).
The way I see it, we are not likely to compete for the Premier League and Champions League titles right away (on average, that take years of great recruitment and chemistry-building), which gives us the leeway to prioritize and develop lads with extraordinary qualities (and the genuine chance to emerge as dominant performers in the years to come).
Those percentiles are inflated because it's a comparison with midfielders, but the raw numbers are still quite good.
P.S., While I love Garnacho, signing Nusa might make him redundant from a systemic perspective. Garnacho does not boast the sefless characteristics and discipline of a wingback or the close control and combination-play tendencies of a prototypical inside forward in a 3—4—2—1. Unless he unexpectedly adapts to one of those departments, we might have to seriously think about selling him (not because he's not a good talent, but because he's not an optimal fit and could fetch a respectable fee) and signing someone who is naturally suited to the inside forward role (Wirtz is the most obvious solution for the left-sided inside forward role but he will be highly coveted, Güler is suited to the right-sided inside forward role and is not getting much game time at Real Madrid, et cetera). The purpose of a “midfield box” is to dominate in possession, form the basis for relational football and a sustainable supply chain for the center forward, and create numerical advantages, so individual components need to fit specific profiles.
For what it's worth, I like Aït-Nouri too. Wouldn't be opposed to the signing, even though I'm be more in favor of Nusa. Don't think he is going to be particularly cheap or reasonably priced though (unless £40-50 million is considered reasonable). Wolverhampton have the option of extending his contact by 1 year, so he won't be a free agent until 2027.
In terms of Premier League prospects, Tyler Dibling could be a good signing for the opposite flank, provided he is willing to tailor his game to the position. The added benefit with this profile of player is that he could also operate as the right sided No. 10, given that he has played out wide and more centrally for Southampton and England's youth teams.
I am surprised that Omari Hutchinson hasn't been mentioned. United players couldn't get close to him in the Ipswich game.
Is he a wingback?
Is Tyler Dibling?
Didn’t realize Wolves had an option. Air-Nouri seems a perfect fit for the role and premier league proven. May not be cheap, but hopefully if he’s ready for a new challenge Wolves will be reasonable. Even at €40m they’re making a tidy profit. I don’t know much about Nusa, will have to check him out.
Dibling would be great and from what I’ve seen, I do think he’d be a good fit for the right sided 10 role like you mentioned. Though I’m hoping Amad makes that his own and it feels like we’re probably well covered at RWB already and a new signing for that position has to be well down the priority list. We do need some more young homegrown talent and I’m always in favor of bringing in the best young British talents we can.
Not sure about him as wing-back, but I absolutely support the idea of signing Nusa. Think he would be perfect for the left-sided no10. Just a brilliant dribbler and his movement, ball-carrying, passing and crossing has also improved massively. He might have the skillset to develop into a wing-back in the Amorim mould, but until then he's a potential great player for further forward.It's a position of extreme importance, and calls for dynamism, ball-carrying prowess (this is a clear deficiency in the current squad, we struggle to beat people mano-a-mano) and technical expertise in equal measure, and whoop-de-do, both of these players have that in their locker. As talented as some of the best young wingers around, good in possession as well as on counters, and seem quite adaptable.
- Wingback 1: Geovany Quenda. If we could sign only one player from Sporting CP, it would have to be him (with Gyökeres at the No. 2 spot). Sometimes the obvious signing is the best possible signing.
- Wingback 2: Antonio Nusa. RB Leipzig won't stand in our way if we make an offer that is commensurate with his talent level (it will be a big fee, but alternatives like Kerkez or Aït-Nouri will also cost a bomb).
Also, age profiles that are suited to a brand new project — the former will be 18 years old at the start of next season and the latter will be 20 years old at the start of next season; timely investment in these two could be an astute strategy, considering they are just starting to scratch the surface of their potential. That matches perfectly with seasoned players like Mazraoui, Shaw and Dalot (who could serve as more defensively oriented options in the near term).
The way I see it, we are not likely to compete for the Premier League and Champions League titles right away (on average, that take years of great recruitment and chemistry-building), which gives us the leeway to prioritize and develop lads with extraordinary qualities (and the genuine chance to emerge as dominant performers in the years to come).
Those percentiles are inflated because it's a comparison with midfielders, but the raw numbers are still quite good.
P.S., While I love Garnacho, signing Nusa might make him redundant from a systemic perspective. Garnacho does not boast the sefless characteristics and discipline of a wingback or the close control and combination-play tendencies of a prototypical inside forward in a 3—4—2—1. Unless he unexpectedly adapts to one of those departments, we might have to seriously think about selling him (not because he's not a good talent, but because he's not an optimal fit and could fetch a respectable fee) and signing someone who is naturally suited to the inside forward role (Wirtz is the most obvious solution for the left-sided inside forward role but he will be highly coveted, Güler is suited to the right-sided inside forward role and is not getting much game time at Real Madrid, et cetera). The purpose of a “midfield box” is to dominate in possession, form the basis for relational football and a sustainable supply chain for the center forward, and create numerical advantages, so individual components need to fit specific profiles.
Issue is if he's even gettable. Was certain to play in the PL in January, until medical (seems overblown) issues scuppered his 30m move. Since then he has hit the ground running for Leipzig and looks like a superstar in the making for the NT.
I feel like it has to be Rayan Ait-Nouri. Having a left wingback that can actually use their left foot consistently would be a massive improvement, instead of watching Dalot cut back and slow everything down allowing the defenders to get back in position.
I don't really want to see Amad as the right wingback, as I think he doesn't have the physical profile of the up and down marathon runner. Lets get him further up the pitch and getting goals and assists, please.
Have Red Cafers mentioned using Mason Mount as an option at right wingback? I know the new manager said he has multiple positions in mind for him but not sure that was one of them, but I think he could be a decent option?
Have Red Cafers mentioned using Mason Mount as an option at right wingback? I know the new manager said he has multiple positions in mind for him but not sure that was one of them, but I think he could be a decent option?
Lamptey is 24 now and made almost as many appearances off the bench as starts last season for Brighton even when they were using wingbacks and 0 starts in the league with 1 sub appearance, but 2 starts 1 sub in the EFL cup where players are rested. This season Brighton dont use wingbacks.
If Brighton were willing to be reasonable about his status in the squad and price he could be a useful RWB with speed going on the outside of Amad in a 10 role
If Brighton were willing to be reasonable about his status in the squad and price he could be a useful RWB with speed going on the outside of Amad in a 10 role
Angelino is another one, has some quality and decent speed from left wingback. Ex-City though for those who dont accept that.
Given our finances I feel like Alvaro is the perfect prospect to bring back.
@Invictus is there a clear definition of what Amorim wants in these wide roles?
- do both flank have the same requirements?
- what are the 3 main actions required?
- which foot is optimal?
- are these players rotated or consistent first team players?
As an example, watching Quenda’s highlights and seeing Amads performances. It seems to be important to press around the half way line and exploit the space behind.
The player needs industry to hustle, acceleration to take advantage of the space and vision to end the move.
(Saint Maximin has certain qualities for the role, but maybe lacking overall)
- do both flank have the same requirements?
- what are the 3 main actions required?
- which foot is optimal?
- are these players rotated or consistent first team players?
As an example, watching Quenda’s highlights and seeing Amads performances. It seems to be important to press around the half way line and exploit the space behind.
The player needs industry to hustle, acceleration to take advantage of the space and vision to end the move.
(Saint Maximin has certain qualities for the role, but maybe lacking overall)
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Valentin Barco has great potential. He is on loan from Brighton.
some gems in this thread
kerkez from Bournemouth will solve our left side for years.
They don't.
One plays inverted e.g Amad/Quenda, they can either hold the width or come inside. The other wingback only hugs the sideline providing width and just shuttles back and worth.
He also appears to want too options in each position. An attacking one, and a defensive one.
My dream signing for this position would be Nuno Mendes. He is built like a tank, strong as a bull, with endless stamina, technically sound and worked under Amorim so we might have an edge on getting him. Get him from PSG will be tough probably. But if we take one player from Sporting Gyokeres is higher priority because of how shit our current attackers are.