Is football about to close its curtains again under the horrible glare of covid? The answer, sadly, seems likely to be yes.
Manchester United have already shut one door to prevent further spread of coronavirus, with their game against Brentford scheduled for Tuesday called off amid numerous positive cases.
Saturday’s Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion could go the same way as United have returned more positive results in their camp.
This potentially means, in the busiest of schedules, Ralf Rangnick will have been afforded almost a whole week of work with what’s left of his new squad.
And it’s period that could be extended if this weekend’s fixture is called off.
If that’s the case, here are three Red Devils we believe should use this unexpected break to the max:
Luke Shaw
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Luke Shaw was irreplaceable. But with a new manager comes new ideas and a change of luck for players.
Through no great fault of his own, Shaw suddenly looks as though he could be replaced.
After suffering concussion in the Manchester derby at the beginning of November, the defender has featured just once.
Alex Telles has taken full advantage of his comrade’s absence along with the fresh start offered by Rangnick to every member of his squad.
Even with the England international available, Rangnick deployed Telles at Norwich City in United’s last outing.
Shaw needs to prove to the boss he’s the best left-back at the club.
Eric Bailly
A man who never fails to entertain, Eric Bailly must be a nightmare to coach. Not because he’s a bad footballer. On the contrary, he’s a very good footballer on his day.
Unfortunately, the 27-year-old is prone to mishaps in defence.
He’s an excellent centre-back – until the craziness kicks in. It’s a trait Bailly must prove is out of his system.
With Raphael Varane still recovering from injury and Victor Lindelof under surveillance following a health scare, the Ivorian is first reserve to partner Harry Maguire.
But only if he does enough on the training ground to earn the manager’s trust.
Mason Greenwood
After just two Premier League fixtures in charge, Rangnick’s preferred XI has already become clear.
And it’s a starting line-up that, to this point, has yet to feature Mason Greenwood.
He did come off the bench to provide the match-winning assist against Crystal Palace but remained a substitute in United’s subsequent game.
Fellow countrymen Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are currently getting the nod ahead of Greenwood.
His delightful goal at home to Young Boys in the Champions League provided a snippet of the quality stored within those talented boots.
Yet, Greenwood will need to do more at Carrington if he’s to remove Rashford and Sancho from their positions of trust.
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