Marcus Rashford and Man Utd's Left-Sided Struggles: Mohamed Salah's Continued Excellence

The Radar: Premier League Insights

Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column by Nick Wright offering a blend of data and opinion to highlight trending stories within the Premier League. In this edition, we focus on:

• The vulnerabilities of Manchester United
• Mohamed Salah’s enhanced creativity at 32
• Riccardo Calafiori’s unique playing style
• A standout player with a score to settle

Manchester United’s Left-Flank Vulnerability

Following Manchester United's 3-3 draw with Porto, manager Erik ten Hag commented on the need for improvement in defense, particularly on the left side. Despite a commendable individual display from Marcus Rashford, who scored and assisted one, ten Hag opted to substitute him at half-time, citing rotation.

This decision came on the heels of a concerning trend: the defensive frailty on United's left flank. Their issues were glaring, as they conceded three goals directly stemming from that side. Rashford's failure to track Joao Mario, alongside the absence of specialist left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, has left the team exposed.

Indeed, of the eight Premier League goals conceded this season, seven have originated from the left-back area. United's upcoming match against Aston Villa will test if they can rectify this glaring issue.

Mohamed Salah: Evolution of a Creative Genius

Mohamed Salah showcased his growth during Liverpool's Champions League fixture against Bologna with a stunning goal and a precise assist for Alexis Mac Allister. Notably, Salah created three opportunities, maintaining his status as Liverpool's top creator this season.

With four assists already in the Premier League, only Bukayo Saka from Arsenal has matched or surpassed him. Salah's creativity has seen a remarkable uptick; he’s creating crucial chances at an enhanced rate, producing nearly 80% more big chances compared to last season - all while maintaining his scoring output.

At 32, Salah is defying age-related decline, demonstrating a sustained goal threat and a commitment to improving his overall game. Liverpool's management must contemplate his future, as his contract runs out in May, making it vital to retain their leading playmaker.

Riccardo Calafiori: A Maverick in Action

New Arsenal recruit Riccardo Calafiori has made waves with his dynamic performances. The 22-year-old has showcased both flair and tenacity, notably with a spectacular goal against Man City and an emotional response after an injury scare.

Coach Mikel Arteta has been impressed by Calafiori's versatility. Starting at left-back but shifting effectively to right-back, he even contributed creatively from a central position. With a past observation from teammate Ben White echoing that playing under Arteta requires multifaceted skills, Calafiori embodies that notion wholeheartedly.

Arteta lauds his capability to move across roles, adding that his raw energy on the field represents both a challenge and an opportunity for development. As Arsenal faces injury issues, Calafiori’s contributions will be crucial in the upcoming fixtures.

Player to Watch: Callum Hudson-Odoi Matches His Former Team

On the horizon, former Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi is set for a high-stakes match against his childhood club this Sunday. After being released by Chelsea, Hudson-Odoi has blossomed at Nottingham Forest under Nuno Espirito Santo, making his return a point of interest.

Live Radar: Upcoming Matches

This weekend promises thrilling encounters, with Everton hosting Newcastle in the Saturday Night Football clash at 5:30 PM, and on Super Sunday, United travels to Aston Villa at 2 PM, followed by Brighton facing Tottenham.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights in our next edition of The Radar.

For further reading, see [last week's Radar](#) for more Premier League insights.