Manchester United's three-year neglect of defensive investment is beginning to look like a strategic error, as Michael Carrick's tactical shift at Leeds on Sunday failed to shore up a backline that has kept just one clean sheet in 10 games this season.
Carrick, channelling his inner Ruben Amorim, deployed a back three at Elland Road, with Diogo Dalot and Amad repurposed as wing-backs. Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez formed the centre-back trio until Noussair Mazraoui replaced Martinez at half-time.
A Defence in Stasis
The decision underscores the state of stasis engulfing United's rearguard. Aside from the £1.5million Ayden Heaven and the £25million addition of Patrick Dorgu, a winger more than a full-back, United haven't invested in defence since signing Mazraoui, Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt in the summer of 2023.
If Carrick could pick his first-choice defence, he would have a right-back in his ninth season at the club, a centre-back in his eighth season, and a left-back in his 13th campaign at Old Trafford. Under Ineos' grand plan, the backline was always going to be the last to benefit from an overhaul, with a tight budget focused on adding goals in 2025 and midfield in 2026.
Defensive Weaknesses Exposed
The tactical switch didn't have immediate success. Ten of Leeds' 12 shots came from inside the penalty area, and they created an xG total of 1.41. United conceded from a set-piece again when Dominic Calvert-Lewin found space in the box, and Leeds attempted 27 crosses to United's eight.
United have been vulnerable to set-pieces and balls into the box all season. Everton managed 14 shots from inside the box against United, Fulham 11 and Tottenham eight, before Leeds got 10 at the weekend.
One Clean Sheet in 10 Games
Most damningly, United now have just one clean sheet in 10 games this season, against Champions League minnows Sabah at Old Trafford. Injuries haven't helped, particularly at left-back, where five different players have started those 10 games. Yoro will be suspended for Wednesday's trip to Como, which could mean a return to the back four.
De Ligt is waiting in the wings, closing in on 11 months since he last played a competitive game. He was in good form before injuring his back and could add something to the defence when fit again.
Carrick needs to tighten up, along with Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans, two experienced Premier League central defenders on his coaching staff. Money will be invested in the defence next summer, but for now, a sticking plaster is the only real solution. Martinez called out the lack of investment in Madrid a week ago, and when it comes to his own position on the pitch, it's clear he has a point.
