Squad 2017/18 - Full-backs

With the start of the 2017/18 Premier League season under a week away, we are profiling each area of Manchester United's squad as it stands. Here, we recap the first-team full-backs' form of last term, as well as taking a look at their exploits on tour...

DALEY BLIND
United career stats: 124 appearances, 5 goals

The Dutchman’s versatility was an important asset to the side last season, as he racked up 39 appearances at left-back and centre-back and is capable of playing in a back three or four.

The 27-year-old was a regular in defence during pre-season and played in all seven games, and even scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out victory over Real Madrid.

MATTEO DARMIAN
United career stats: 69 appearances, 1 goal

The Italian defender played an important role in United’s squad last term, as he registered 29 appearances across all competitions in a number of different roles and was outstanding in the Europa League final.

Primarily a left-back, Darmian also featured heavily in pre-season and played in all seven of United’s tour games. While Stateside, he was keen to emphasise the importance of playing matches against the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City in pre-season.

“Every game we play we want to win,” he said. "Playing against these kinds of teams is always good to improve in pre-season, too.”

DEMI MITCHELL
United career stats: 1 appearance

After impressing in the Reserves and youth ranks, Mitchell was rewarded with his first-team debut on the final day of last season when he started in the win over Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old former winger also did enough to earn a place on the pre-season tour, and he made three appearances at left-back, where he admitted he now feels at home.

“Any position I get asked to play, if the coaches think it’s right, then I’ll give it a good shot,” he said. “I’ve been playing there [at left-back] for a good seven or eight months now, so for me to be here [with the first team] after that amount of time, it just shows how much progress I can make.”

LUKE SHAW
United career stats: 47 appearances

Much of Shaw’s 2016/17 campaign was marred by injury, although he still managed to pull on the shirt on 19 occasions.

The 22-year-old was part of the squad that travelled to the United States on tour as he continued his rehabilitation from injury and he is looking forward to the upcoming campaign.

“I feel this is my season to prove myself,” he said. “I am feeling in good shape. In myself, I feel confident. I want to show everyone that I believe in myself and show the manager that he can believe in me.”

ANTONIO VALENCIA
United career stats: 292 appearances, 22 goals

Valencia has slowly turned into one of the top full-backs in the country, and his stellar performances last term only enhanced his reputation.

The 32-year-old, who has captained the team on a number of occasions in the last few years, made 43 appearances across all competitions in 2016/17, and he carried his fine form into pre-season, where he appeared six times and skippered the side to victory against Manchester City.