Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, will undoubtedly have to make a number of selections before tonight's tantalizing Europa League match away to Barcelona. The Dutchman is expected to be without injured players like Antony, Anthony Martial, and Scott McTominay, as well as long-term absentee Christian Eriksen.
With Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez also suspended, it does seem that United's squad resources will be seriously strained, especially considering that this trip to Camp Nou is part of a busy stretch of February games while the team is still in contention on all four fronts.
However, at right-back, where Diogo Dalot's return has made sure that there is now a meaningful competition for a starting spot amid Aaron Wan-Bissaka's recent comeback, the Englishman has started seven of the previous nine Premier League games, the Red Devils do appear to have some depth.
The £50 million acquisition missed the draw with Leeds United at Old Trafford last week due to illness, and he was only a substitute in the rematch just a few days later. However, this evening's game might be the perfect opportunity for the 25-year-old to be let loose once more.
Although club icon Paul Scholes once called the former Crystal Palace player "useless" on the ball, it is difficult to contest his prowess defensively after Jamie Carragher hailed him as "the best one-on-one defender for a full-back in the world" back in 2020.
As evidence of his destructive prowess, the £90k per week machine ranks in the top 1% in Europe for interceptions made among those in his position and the top 3% for tackles.
A crucial, last-ditch challenge on former teammate Wilfried Zaha was made by the supposedly indestructible full-back during the draw with Palace at Selhurst Park last month.
The Eagles talisman then praised Wan-Bissaka for what he called a "fantastic tackle," noting that United would probably need such vital defense against La Blaugrana's array of attacking players, including Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, and Pedri.
With the Croydon-born "spider," as he has been popularly referred to, appearing to be a good pick on the right side of the defense this evening, that fantastic list of names may likely prove frustrated, like Zaha, in their attempts to try and beat the one-versus-one specialist.
With the aforementioned Dalot having been "caught cold" by Crysencio Summerville last time out, according to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, the 6-foot menace may be the better option to face Xavi's team, even though he was responsible for Eddie Nketiah's opener in the loss to Arsenal after failing to track his man.
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