If one decision summed up the closing stages of Erik ten Hag's Manchester United tenure, it was his call to start Toby Collyer at left-back against Barnsley last September.
United welcomed the League One side to Old Trafford in the third round of the Carabao Cup as overwhelming favourites to progress to the next round. The Reds got the job done with minimal fuss, winning 7-0.
It was the perfect opportunity for Harry Amass to be given his competitive debut. He impressed on last summer's pre-season tour, producing a crop of eye-catching performances, and the stage was set for him to make his Old Trafford bow.
Instead, Collyer - a central-midfielder - started on the left of the back four. The decision did not go down well.
Left-back was often Ten Hag's blind spot. The signing of Tyrell Malacia was questioned, the loan addition of Sergio Reguilon aged terribly, and the Dutchman even tested the water by deploying defensive-midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in that role.
On the same day United signed Reguilon and Amrabat on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and Fiorentina respectively, Alvaro Carreras was sent out on loan to Granada. He had spent the previous season on loan at Preston North End, winning their 2022/23 Young Player of the Season award.
His performances in the Championship at Deepdale often earned plaudits from North End supporters. Many felt he was destined to go onto achieve bigger and better things.
United felt the most logical next step in his career was to send him to Granada, who had just been promoted back to La Liga. He struggled for game time in Spain and moved to Benfica in January, signing on loan for the remainder of the season.
The attack-minded full-back, who is equally capable as a wing-back, got into his stride
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