Manchester United are planning to fix their defense next summer, but early season struggles suggest waiting may be costly. Three games into the Premier League season, Michael Carrick's team has conceded six goals, including four against promoted Hull and Ipswich. They face Manchester City at home Sunday, with Erling Haaland—who has eight goals and three assists in seven league meetings with United—coming to Old Trafford.

Incredibly, the back four that started United's last two league games was the same quartet that played in the 4-0 defeat at Brentford in August 2022. Diogo Dalot (27), Lisandro Martínez (28), Harry Maguire (33) and Luke Shaw (31) have survived all subsequent clear-outs. Carrick's first-choice back four was constructed by four different managers over 12 years: Shaw arrived from Southampton in 2014 for £30m, Dalot was signed by Jose Mourinho for £19m in 2018, Maguire became the world's most expensive defender in an £80m move in 2019, and Martinez cost £49m in 2022.

United overhauled their forward line and midfield this summer, but the defense will be sorted next year. While rivals spent huge sums—Manchester City (£450m), Chelsea (£349m) and Tottenham (£302m)—United spent just £148m. With only one recognized senior left back in Shaw, the club opted against upgrading, focusing on signing one in 12 months.