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Manchester United overcame a stubborn Bodo/Glimt 3-2 in their Europa League game at Old Trafford on Thursday in what was Ruben Amorim’s first win since taking charge.
A brace from Rasmus Hojlund and the performance of the front three in general will have pleased the Portuguese but the displays from his wingbacks, not so much.
Left-back has been a problem position for over a year now with fullbacks out injured for the most part, which forced former manager Erik ten Hag into playing midfielders or centre-backs in that spot.
Tyrell Malacia, who returned to the first team after a gap of more than a year, looked rusty as expected and was at fault for the Norwegian outfit’s second goal of the night.
Left wingback issues continue
Diogo Dalot did come on for him at the start of the second-half but Amorim later claimed that the Portugal international is much more suited to the right flank and that is where his future eventually lies.
Luke Shaw seems to be preferred as a centre-back currently and the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss wants help from INEOS to fix this problem in January.
Lots of targets have been mentioned including 19-year-old Argentine wonderkid Julio Soler of Lanus. United and Liverpool are long-term admirers of the Argentina U23 international.
However, River Plate could beat both English giants to the punch as relayed by Sport Witness and they are ready to make their move in the winter itself.
Marcelo Gallardo, head coach of River, wants the young Argentine star as a backup for Marcus Acuna, who is currently sidelined with an injury.
“Knowing that they cannot sleep in the face of Manchester United and Liverpool’s advances, River is going for Julio Soler from Lanús,” journalist Jonathan Riniti was quoted as saying on El Crack Deportivo.
“Gallardo wants him no matter what as an alternative to Acuña. He will have to negotiate urgently with Granate so that he does not end up in the hands of the Premier League giants.”
Soler interest
Despite being only 19, Soler has already been called up to the senior Argentina squad and was part of the Argentina Olympic team as well.
Soler’s current deal with Lanus expires in 2026, which opens up the possibility of a cut-price exit but Lanus have “high demands” for the youngster despite his contract situation.
His current market value stands at only €6 million as per Transfermarkt but Lanus are expected to ask for a lot more considering the interest their player has generated among the elites of the English game.
Whether the Old Trafford side get their man or not, it is refreshing to see United scope out the South American market under INEOS, after the huge potential from that area was largely untapped during the Glazers reign.
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