Analyzing Man Utd's Left-Sided Frailties and Salah's Continued Growth

Manchester United's Weak Spot Needs Immediate Attention

In the latest Premier League action, Manchester United faced a disappointing 3-3 draw against FC Porto. Manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged a glaring issue on the left side of the pitch, calling out the lack of defensive coordination that allowed Porto to score multiple goals from that flank. With specialist left-backs like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined, this vulnerability has been a recurring theme throughout their season.

Only recently, during their Europa League opener, the United defense faltered again against FC Twente, where seven of the eight league goals conceded originated from attacks exploiting their left side. Notably, Marcus Rashford's attempt to defend was weak, but this vulnerability is more of a collective problem rather than solely his responsibility.

Salah's Evolving Game: More Creativity at 32

Mohamed Salah, at 32, has demonstrated remarkable improvement in his creative play. During Liverpool's recent Champions League win against Bologna, Salah not only scored but also provided an assist, marking his status as Liverpool's top creator. Adding to his stats, Salah has created significantly more chances and big opportunities compared to previous seasons, proving his ability to adapt and enhance his gameplay.

With four assists in the Premier League already this season, Salah is on track to surpass his total of 13 assists from the 2021/22 season. Liverpool faces a potential dilemma as Salah's contract expires in May; keeping him seems to outweigh the risks of letting him go.

Calafiori: An Unconventional Full-Back for Arsenal

Riccardo Calafiori's arrival at Arsenal has been nothing short of eventful. The 22-year-old Italian full-back showcased his maverick style with a stunning goal against Manchester City, further showing versatility by playing multiple positions in a single match against Paris Saint-Germain. Calafiori has the unique ability to blend roles, ranging from defender to midfielder, making him a valuable asset to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Arteta's strategy requires full-backs to possess skills beyond mere defense, mirroring the development of Ben White, who successfully adapted to the versatile demands of the role. The challenge now lies in refining Calafiori’s raw talent without diminishing his fearless approach.

Player Radar: Spotlight on Callum Hudson-Odoi

As Chelsea navigates through their season with a rich pool of wingers, Nottingham Forest's Callum Hudson-Odoi stands out. The young player, who parted ways with Chelsea, is focused on proving himself against his former club this weekend.

Upcoming Fixtures to Watch

• Everton vs. Newcastle - Saturday 5:30 PM (Sky Sports Premier League)
• Aston Villa vs. Manchester United - Sunday 2 PM (Sky Sports)
• Brighton vs. Tottenham - Sunday 4:30 PM

With these matches on the horizon, all eyes will be on how teams adapt to their issues and showcase their strengths in a highly competitive Premier League landscape.