Manchester United are still over-dependent on a star they can't rely on

It seemed certain Manchester United were going to start an academy graduate at left-back against Barnsley, just not the one they did.

Ahead of the match, plenty of the dialogue was about the potential for Harry Amass to make his senior debut for the club. Instead, it was midfielder Toby Collyer who was repurposed into the full-back role.

Collyer was comfortable on the ball and effectively played as a midfielder whenever his side were in possession against the League One side, but when asked to defend it was obvious he is not a natural left-back and hardly a short-term solution at best.

Erik ten Hag will hope he doesn't have to rely on Collyer in such a role going forward, but the fact he started there was not only a reminder of how much work Amass has to do yet, but also how problematic the position remains. Diogo Dalot has made the left-back role his own in the opening weeks of the season, but although both he and Noussair Mazraoui can fill in on their weaker side, there is a clear awkwardness whenever either is asked to play there. Tyrell Malacia was named in the Europa League squad for the forthcoming campaign, and could return to action next month.

The peculiar quirk is while United have enough cover at left-back for the time being, they do not necessarily have the standout option to start there amid Luke Shaw's latest injury woes. Shaw suffered four separate injuries during last season, with his last game for United coming all the way back in February. It was hardly a surprise when he suffered a setback on the eve of the new campaign, his 24th separate case of injury or illness since he joined the club a decade ago.

Even now, it still sounds like he is a while off, with Ten Hag well aware that rushing him back into action could have serious repercussions, just like it did when he limped off midway through victory over Luton in his latest club appearance. "He's progressing but not yet ready to be selected," the manager warned last week. "He is progressing well, of course we have a plan in our head when he can be ready but you're always dependent on how the progress will go and you can't think, you can't make a suggestion because there are so many factors, a plan can accelerate or slow down."

It is quite easy to take for granted just how good Shaw is when he is fully fit, with the 29-year-old still one of the world's best in his position. The problem is exactly that, when fit. Gone are the days when Shaw was an up and coming prospect with huge potential for growth, the harsh reality is he now in his prime and more injury prone than ever.

At a time when United are not only looking for consistency, but are also looking to become ruthless with their squad refresh, it is hard to even get too excited about the possible return of Shaw, such is the genuine fear he could suffer another setback so soon after returning.

United had looked at possibly signing a left-back in the summer, but scrapped plans in the final weeks when it became apparent they were in more need of another centre-back and a midfielder, given the aforementioned options in reserve. They have already outlined plans to finally address the problem position next year, though given Shaw's injury record, there is a chance it might need to be looked at in January rather than June.

The left is still not quite right.