Manchester United will be without Diogo Dalot in the Premier League for the first time in more than a year when they welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Thursday evening.

The defender was sent off in the second half of United's FA Cup third round triumph over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, being dismissed for two bookable offences.

Dalot last failed to start a league game for United when they were beaten 2-0 by West Ham United at the London Stadium in December 2023. He missed out that day due to suspension.

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Despite being a right back by trade, the Portugal international has spent much of this season playing on the left side of United's defence. He has, for the most part, been United's first-choice left wing-back since Ruben Amorim's appointment in November.

With Luke Shaw still sidelined and Tyrell Malacia yet to complete a full 90 minutes since recovering from a long-term knee injury earlier this season, Amorim is light on options in the left wing-back department.

Amid that dilemma, the United head coach might have no choice but to deploy Noussair Mazraoui as the left-sided wing-back. He has started the last five games as the right-sided wing-back amid Amad's transition to one of the two No.10 roles in attack.

Mazraoui has proven himself as a highly versatile operator since arriving from Bayern Munich in August, so far playing as a right wing-back, a right-back, a right-sided centre-back, a left-sided centre-back, a left-back and an attacking-midfielder.

He was used as a right-back, a left-back and an attacking-midfielder by former United manager Erik ten Hag before having to adapt to more new roles following Amorim's appointment and United's switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation. But to his credit, he has never let United down in any of them.

Despite Manuel Ugarte's recent good form, Mazraoui's consistency throughout the campaign probably makes him United's best signing of last summer's transfer window, despite him being the cheapest addition, and has earned plenty of praise from supporters. Much of that is down to the versatility he has offered United, something which former sporting director Dan Ashworth knew he would do.

"Noussair is a dynamic, attacking full-back who can play on both the right and left side of defence," Ashworth said. "His experience and versatility will make him an excellent addition to our squad."

Despite already operating on the left of United's defence this season, albeit in a four-at-the-back system, his experience of playing higher up on the left could make him a suitable fit for the left wing-back role.

Reflecting on the time he made the breakthrough at Ajax as a youngster, Mazraoui said back in September: "Yes, I was a midfielder and then, for the second team, I played one season in every position. From left-winger to central defender in the next game. So I've played everywhere and that is what really helped me now."

Mazraoui has been one of United's most consistent performers this season, getting on with his job without any fuss. That will be the case again if Amorim does task him with operating in a seventh different position of the season on Thursday night.