football | Wednesday, February 1, 2023 12:00 PM

Mikael Silvestre on United’s Fixture Congestion, Midfield Depth, Diallo Future

Devang Prasad

Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge at Manchester United has seen the Red Devils improve by leaps and bounds. They are fighting for a Champions League spot, have progressed in the FA Cup, will be facing FC Barcelona in the Europa League and are likely to be in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.

With still a lot left to play for, the Red Devils will be approaching a fixture congestion and with Christian Eriksen out injured, there are questions over if they can deal with playing so many games.

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre talked to us about United’s squad depth and also gave his view on the performances of Antony and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

In this article:

United’s Internal Replacements for Eriksen
Will Dalot Take his Place Back After Wan-Bissaka’s Form?
Antony’s Inconsistent Start at United
Is Diallo Ready to Contribute at United?

United’s Internal Replacements for Eriksen

With Eriksen out till the spring, United will be without the player ten Hag has used the most so far this season. Manchester United did make a major move on deadline day, bringing Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich.

Silvestre, meanwhile, also pushed the case for Fred getting a look in the midfield. The Frenchman mentioned that he thought Fred is underrated and his understanding with Casemiro for Brazil can be useful for ten Hag’s plans.

“Lately Fred has been playing a lot. Him and Casemiro play together for the national team.”

“Fred has been underrated and when he’s playing regularly he plays well so Fred will be the replacement for Eriksen in that position.”

The former France international believes that questions around United’s lack of quality depth are unfounded. He thinks that the Red Devils have some good players in their ranks, like Scott McTominay and that the issues they’re facing with injuries are issues that every team faces.

“They have to cope with the players that they already have and I think they have enough depth to cope quality wise. It will give an opportunity for McTominay to play more games.”

“We know what Eriksen brings quality wise. His passing and delivery from set pieces but every team has injured players that need to be replaced with other players in the squad.”

Will Dalot Take his Place Back After Wan-Bissaka’s Form?

Talking about quality depth players at Manchester United, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has stepped up his performances in Diogo Dalot’s absence. The English full-back has been solid at the back and has been a key figure in ten Hag’s plans since the league resumed after the World Cup.

Despite Wan-Bissaka’s performances, Silvestre thinks that Diogo Dalot will have the upper hand when it comes to the starting berth. This is because Silvestre sees Dalot having qualities that fit in better with what ten Hag wants his teams to do.

“I think Diogo has the upper hand when it comes to starting.”
“I think given Erik ten Hag’s demands of his full backs to get forward, being proactive and participating in the offensive side of the game, I think Diogo has better passing range and accuracy. I think Aaron is behind Diogo in that respect.”

Silvestre still lavished praise on Wan-Bissaka, saying that he’s fought very hard to prove his value.

“Nevertheless, Aaron has fought hard to show his worth. In 1vs1 situations we know he’s excellent and he’s improved with his positioning defensively.”

Antony’s Inconsistent Start at United

On the other end, summer signing Antony, who cost around £85m (as per Sky Sports), has received criticism for his play and is being touted as a player that United overpaid for.

In Silvestre’s view, Antony is a good addition to United but he has been inefficient since the league resumed after the World Cup. The 1998-99 Champions League winning defender also exhorted Antony to continue being positive and prove his doubters wrong.

“Antony had an excellent start at United then the World Cup arrived and there has been less efficiency from him since.”

“I still think he is a good addition. He’s always positive on the ball and has to continue and prove his doubters wrong. I think he is capable of doing that.”

Is Diallo Ready to Contribute at United?

Lastly, Silvestre gave his viewpoint on Amad Diallo, who’s currently on loan at Sunderland and has been performing at a high level for Tony Mowbray’s side.

Silvestre pointed out that Diallo was bought for a high fee and in that case, when a player is out on loan, you want them to be out for a year and gain experience.

“You hope that players who go on loan, especially when you spend that kind of money, will spend a maximum of a year on loan.”

“A year should be enough experience. He joined United a while ago now.”

He commented that it has been a positive loan for Diallo and hopefully he can get some game time when he returns to Manchester United.

“Hopefully he can come and compete for game time next season at United instead of going on loan again.”

“It’s been a positive loan because he’s playing, progressing and getting better.”