Erik ten Hag hints at surprise role for Manchester United starlet this season

Erik ten Hag has hinted at a surprise role for one Manchester United starlet going forward this season.

Manchester United have had a mixed start to the new Premier League season, winning two games out of their opening four games.

Erik ten Hag’s side have also won 7-0 in their opening Carabao Cup clash against Barnsley, which should give many players confidence going into the coming fixtures.

One issue so far this season has been the lack of a natural left-back. Diogo Dalot has played well on that side but you can tell he is better playing from the right flank.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both unavailable for selection but could both be back soon for Ten Hag’s team.

Ten Hag on Man Utd surprise role

Even when those two players return, Ten Hag will certainly not want to overwork them and could opt for different options in certain games

Many supporters were surprised to see Toby Collyer line up at left-back during his full debut against Barnsley on Tuesday evening.

The 20-year-old, who is naturally a midfielder, came into the side to allow Noussair Mazraoui a rest from the starting team.

Despite a shaky start, Collyer was able to grow into the game and Ten Hag has suggested that it is a role that he could play more going forward.

“It was his first time playing as a left-back, sometimes in training but this was the first time [in a game],” said Ten Hag when asked about Collyer’s performance.

“The start was quite difficult for him but then after a while he found his position and as a team we found our shape.

“And then I think it went very smooth for us and then you can see the benefits we can have with a player like Toby Collyer in that left full-back position.”

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