Manchester United just might have a great defense

Although Manchester United couldn’t claim all three points on the road against Wolverhampton, their defense suddenly looks like the potential strength of this team.

Few would go as far to call Manchester United title contenders in the Premier League, because they still don’t have the chemistry and squad depth of Liverpool and Manchester City. But United look like a significantly improved side in 2019-2020, with the upgrades on defense already making all the difference.

United only managed a draw against Wolverhampton, but they could have easily managed a win on the road if it weren’t for Rui Patricio’s save of Paul Pogba’s penalty. The Red Devils victory was buoyed by their defense, which comes in stark contrast to the defensive issues that plagued them in 2018-2019.

If it weren’t for Ruben Neves’s impossibly good strike from outside the box, which smacked the underside of the crossbar in satisfying fashion, United would have pitched a second straight clean sheet against a dangerous attack. On Matchweek 1, United embarrassed Chelsea 4-0, and their defense shined again in Wolverhampton.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the star of the show on Matchweek 2 in the draw, as he was absolutely everywhere on the pitch. Wan-Bissaka even pinched inside on occasion, stifling bubbling counterattacks from Wolverhampton, who are notorious for catching defenses on the break.

The instincts Wan-Bissaka showed were shared by left back Luke Shaw, and the two should form one of the world’s best fullback duos over the remainder of the season. It’s remarkable how much better United look on defense after upgrading Ashley Young with Wan-Bissaka, who also looked much better on offense than Young ever did.

United’s center backs weren’t quite as impressive as Shaw and Wan-Bissaka, but they more than got the job done. Diogo Jota was essentially a non-factor, and aside from a shot that hit the post, Raul Jimenez was also surprisingly quiet on this day. Harry Maguire’s transfer fee will continue to be a topic of discussion, but the former Leicester City star looked solid against Wolves, stepping up to clean up several opportunities for the home side.

These two central defenders were aided significantly by Pogba’s tireless work as defensive cover. Playing in a deeper role, Pogba didn’t just string brilliant passes together in midfield and win a penalty with his magical feet, but he also made a few crucial tackles and interceptions. The way Pogba has grown as a defender over the past couple of years has been extraordinary, and he’ll continue to be an X-factor for United defensively as the team’s most complete midfielder.

Going forward, United will need to figure out how to find better service for Anthony Martial, who has the potential to be a world-class No. 9. But it honestly looks like their defense could be an area of strength in 2019-2020, just one year after massive question marks on the back end doomed the Red Devils to Europa League purgatory.

Wan-Bissaka stands out as the true difference-maker from this draw at Wolves, and WhoScored.com even had him tabbed with nine tackles. That is a massive impact, and, when combined with his better-than-advertised passing, it looks like the former Crystal Palace star could blossom to “club hero” status at United.

While it’s important not to get too carried away, United have a clear strength at fullback with Wan-Bissaka and Shaw working tirelessly, and rivals Liverpool can attest to how important the position has become. If Maguire and Victor Lindelof can build chemistry and consistency throughout the full season, Manchester United’s overhauled defense could help lead this team back to Champions League qualification.