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Three takeaways from Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 win vs Manchester United

By Abdullah Mamaniyat

Borussia Dortmund handed Manchester United a 3-2 defeat (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund handed Manchester United a 3-2 defeat (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Marius Wolf in action against Manchester United
Marius Wolf in action against Manchester United. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) /

Defensive depth is a worry

Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck was unavailable on Sunday after leaving the US tour due to injury, which meant that Mats Hummels started the game alongside Niklas Sule.

The 34 year old struggled against Jadon Sancho as a false 9 and was at fault for being too cute and not clearing the ball away from Borussia Dortmund’s box, allowing Antony to equalise.

Marius Wolf and Ryerson started the game as full-backs. Wolf really struggled against Facundo Pellistri in the first half and did not look up to scratch. Ryerson had a tough time as well, but played in an uncomfortable left-back role. His replacement Ramy Bensebaini immediately improved the defensive side of things, and should be the first-choice at left-back this season.

Unless further signings are made, the ideal starting back four this season would be Ryerson-Sule-Schlotterbeck-Bensebaini at present. The worry for Dortmund is that an injury to that back-line could curtail any defensive rhythm they gain. An early warning sign of this for Black and Yellows is Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury, which is currently making him a doubt for the season opener.

The defensive depth available to Edin Terzic is mediocre at best. Thomas Meunier, Soumaila Coulibaly and Mateu Morey are unlikely to feature much if at all, Antonis Papadopoulos is not first-team ready, and Mats Hummels is in what could well be his final season for the club.

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In addition to a starting right back, the arrival of a new centre-back (for depth) would be most welcome and needed if Borussia Dortmund are to stand a chance at challenging for the Bundesliga title against Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig this season.