Manchester United face defensive issue as forgotten man could be the solution

Manchester United are preparing for a tough defensive test against Manchester City, having conceded two goals in each of their first three matches in the Premier League this season.

Manchester United kept a clean sheet for the first time this season with a 4-0 victory over Sabah of Azerbaijan in their Champions League opener, but the task for the backline will be more difficult against Erling Haaland and his teammates.

Manchester United have conceded two goals against both Hull City and Ipswich, as well as Everton, highlighting a defensive fragility that has become a concern ahead of the upcoming clash with Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Since Michael Carrick took charge, Manchester United have conceded two goals in 10 of their 20 matches in the Premier League. Despite winning five of those matches and losing only twice, maintaining this defensive record seems difficult to rely on in the long term.

In light of these circumstances, the name of Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt stands out, having been out of the team's plans for a long time, with nearly nine months since his last appearance in a Manchester United shirt. His return could represent an additional option to address the issues in the backline, although the problem, according to the view of a former defender of the club, relates more to the overall performance of the team rather than being linked to specific individuals.