Manchester United have not had a settled right-back all season, leading to speculation over a new signing this summer. What of those who have performed, and what next?
Here is how we rate the showings so far of United’s five players who have performed at right-back in 2011/12
Rafael da Silva
Rafael has been the unluckiest of the lot. If he had not suffered a shoulder injury in August we may not be talking about this now. He was ready to make the position his own, but he has been restricted to just six league performances. When he has played, he has been a good performer, as evidenced in the 5-0 demolition at Wolves last week, but Terry Connor’s side are so appalling it is hard to measure that showing as a true barometer of success. For now at least, Rafael has got the right-back spot tied down as his own between now and the end of the season, which is to his credit. Considering this, we give him a 7/10
Phil Jones
Jones’ performances at right-back is probably the one area this season where he has shone the most. He has been rotated at centre-back and centre-midfield, but with mixed success. His eagerness to bomb forward is a reason why he has been error prone at centre-back, but it suits him more at right-back. However since the turn of the New Year and Rafael’s return, he has been in and out of the side. It is the position where United fans are most comfortable seeing his name on the teamsheet at present, but it is still doubtful that he remains a long-term solution for the position. 6.5/10
Chris Smalling
Smalling, like Jones, has had a mixed season. He will be disappointed not to have staked more of a claim for a regular starting spot especially in the absence of Nemanja Vidic. He played much of the early part of the season at right-back, and ended up playing there for England. He is more than happy to do so, and in proving himself versatile can only have added to his reputation, and has yet to let himself down. Despite this his main qualities are clearly at centre-back, and this is where he has featured most prominently since the early part of the season. 6/10
Antonio Valencia
Right-back was the position in which Valencia was ‘shoved’ into early in the season, in order to accommodate both Nani and Ashley Young on the wings. Since then Valencia has established himself as United’s most reliable attacking threat from the right wing, and is unlikely to feature often in defence from here on in. He does give the club an extra option, and while failing to entirely convince as a long-term solution, he provided United’s winner away to Arsenal from the position. 6/10
Fabio da Silva
Rafael’s twin brother started last year’s Champions League Final at right-back, but has now fallen right down the pecking order. He was expected to fill in for his brother when injured. but never took his chance, and is out of favour. His natural position is of course on the left, but with Patrice Evra a regular pick, opportunities are equally limited. So far this season has been a disappointing one for Fabio. 4/10
What it all means and what is next?
United certainly are not short of options at right-back, but surely it is better to have one fixed performer. Rafael’s early season injury opened the door to his rivals, who rarely let themselves down, but equally failed to adequately step up. Now Rafael is returned, it could be too later as the club are reported to have made efforts to sign highly rated Nathaniel Clyne from Crystal Palace. Could he be already signed? Another United have been linked with is Frenchman Mathieu Debuchy, suggesting United are far from convinced about their status quo. Assuming the club have not already signed Clyne, Rafael will hope to use between now and the end of the season to prove why he should start next season in the position. Jones, Smalling, Valencia, and even Fabio are alternatives, and good options, but nothing more. Jones may go onto have a standout season or two there, but he is unlikely to be a long-term solution.
Let us know your choice for right-back for United next season by voting in our poll
Who should United’s right-back be next season?
image: © wonker
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