Thankfully for some, England went with Phil Jones at right back against Slovenia in the Euro qualifier on Sunday.
The bad news for Manchester United fans is that Jones had something of a shocker again for his country, being heavily liable for the first goal for Slovenia and getting hooked at half time.
The good news was that England manager Roy Hodgson went for a rather unconventional substitution by bringing Adam Lallana on and throwing tireless midfielder Jordan Henderson into the full back position.
Most would have expected Nathaniel Clyne to come into the action – and this would have been yet another shop window opportunity for a player who is gaining more fans by the week.
Just a shade over 24, Clyne is beginning to develop into every inch the top class modern full back.
He’s technically good, a wonderful athlete who seems to glide through games, is superb going forward and has a great, whipped cross on him and – like Patrice Evra – is the sort of buccaneering and progressive full back who has the pace to recover when he makes a mistake higher up the park.
Clyne – Going, going, gone to the top bidder
We think that Manchester United need to be a bit more decisive on this one because they aren’t the only club in need of a top right back. Quibbling over a few million quid here or there – with a club who doesn’t want to sell – could mean losing out on the perfect addition to the team. Manchester United can’t officially sign him until July 1st but a deal can be struck in principle.
Memphis Depay was a great signing – an early indication of intent from Manchester United – and Clyne needs to be the next one through the door over the next week because the club could easily lose out on this one and it’s difficult to think of too many available right backs around Europe who have the same quality and profile as this lad.
Clyne can be the answer for Manchester United at right back for the next 7-8 years and possibly even reach the heights of the aforementioned Evra who was so vital to Manchester United’s success down the other flank.
Let’s see Clyne in action. Manchester United fans: a must buy?
