Paul Parker believes Manchester United should turn their attention to West Ham left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf as they look for another option on the left side of defence.
Manchester United have spent heavily on midfield this summer, with Carlos Baleba joining Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as the club’s latest additions in that area. The left-back position, however, remains an issue with the transfer deadline approaching.
Paul Parker thinks Manchester United shouldn’t take the risk of relying too heavily on Luke Shaw and has suggested Diouf as a possible solution.
Parker makes his case for El-Hadji Diouf
The former United defender believes the club needs a left-back who can offer more energy and attacking threat.
“They can’t put themselves in the position of being stuck with Shaw and having to rely on him because he can’t do what the modern day left back does,” Parker told Metro.
Paul Parker wants United to bring in someone who is willing to make runs consistently rather than waiting for the ball before getting involved.
“You want someone who wants to run rather than someone who is only going to run if he’s going to get the ball.”
That is where Diouf comes into the discussion.
Parker believes the West Ham defender could be available for around £30 million and feels his qualities would make him a sensible addition.
“For £30 odd million, why don’t United sign Diouf from West Ham?”
Parker particularly likes what Diouf can offer with his left foot and his delivery from wide areas.
“Great left foot, wonderful crosser without a doubt. He gets up and down he’s quite content in defence, but if you get enough possession, he will get forward and he’ll create goals.”
Why Parker prefers Diouf to Balde
Manchester United have also been linked with Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde for a new left-back. Parker, though, sees a major advantage in choosing a player who already knows the Premier League.
“He isn’t big money and you’ve got somebody who’s already played in this league rather than go and bring somebody from Barcelona who hasn’t, and you’ve got someone there who actually knows the league and will just adapt straight away.”
That point appears to be central to Parker’s argument. United wouldn’t have to wait for Diouf to settle into English football, while his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch would give Carrick another option.
Paul Parker isn’t sure whether Diouf fits the profile United’s recruitment team are looking for, but he has little doubt about the player’s ability.
“He’s got the quality to pull on the shirt, without a shadow of a doubt.”
Luke Shaw played all 38 Premier League games last season. The left-back was solid for Michael Carrick but the new season has called for a change. Luke Shaw is 31 years old and injury-prone. With Dorgu preferred on the left wing by Michael Carrick, Luke Shaw remains the only senior left back at United.
Champions League football will only add to more games and a need for squad rotation, which United might struggle with Luke Shaw.
United now have limited time to decide whether to strengthen the position. Parker’s recommendation is to bring in Diouf and give Michael Carrick another reliable option at left-back.
