You wouldn’t describe Javi Manquillo as a fan favourite. The best description for him would likely be a utility player who can fill in when needed in either fullback role for Rafa Benitez.
One supporter was particularly critical of the defender:
https://twitter.com/BenArfaChance/status/1031843660701335552
Other fans on Twitter then entered the debate over the 24-year-old’s qualities, and few could come up with good things to say about him:
On his day he is a very good attacking full back. That’s the best i can do.
— NUFC Away (@NUFC_1987) August 21, 2018
I’d much rather Sterry was given a chance in the absence of Yedlin
— Dean Craze (@toonlad9) August 21, 2018
He sounds exotic ?
— Andy Keates (@a_keates) August 21, 2018
Honestly rather play Sterry right back and Clark left back. If they were unfit play 3-5-2 . The lad’s as scared as Rivière and has as much defensive awareness and bravery as Loic Remy. ????
— Chris Armin (@chris_armin) August 21, 2018
Very cheap & he’s Spanish ? Otherwise no redeeming qualities that I have seen
— mightymagpie99 (@mightymagpie99) August 21, 2018
He’s cheap
— No1 Bestest Space Farce Cadet (@mickdalton41) August 21, 2018
He’s aggressive? I’m clutching at straws here.
— el Danilo. ⚫️⚪️ (@DoctorCookeh) August 21, 2018
He isn’t the best defensively but very good offensively and since he moved to England he hasn’t done geat at all
— Lavogez (@baby_koke) August 22, 2018
To be fair to both Rafa and Manquillo, the limited resources that the manager is working with means bringing in players on a free like the right-back are required to fill out the squad.
With the lack of money available, you can’t always bring in players of the required quality. The Spaniard spent a year on loan with Sunderland when they were relegated from the top flight two seasons ago.
The fact that he was only a bit-part player there too, kind of says it all. Until we have owners who are willing to spend, it is unfair to criticise too much the players we are essentially having to make do with. Any criticism should really be directed at the club’s hierarchy for not giving Rafa the finances to strengthen the squad.