MARVIN Johnson is enjoying the benefits of a spell at left back, even if the winger admits defending is not his strong point.

Injuries to Joe Skarz have seen the summer signing from Motherwell operate in a deeper role during the last few weeks.

He is likely to be asked to do the same at Bury tomorrow, where the 26-year-old will be looking to maintain his strong form.

There are pros and cons to playing in the back four, even if it does not come naturally for Johnson.

He said: “I can’t really defend to be honest, I’ve never had that mentality.

“There might be a few times where I’m out of position, but in my mind I don’t know that.

“The gaffer’s spoken to me about approaching the game from a deeper angle and getting more space.

“The last few games I’ve done that and felt good. We’ve created a few chances from it.

“I think that’s what the majority of managers like now, because they want the overloads in the final third and not many wide men want to be tracking full backs all day long.”

Johnson’s only U’s goal came against Gillingham last month, when he broke through from a deep position.

He is happiest when United are in possession, but when the time comes to knuckle down, he is indebted to advice from the centre backs.

He said: “I let Chey (Dunkley) and Curtis (Nelson) deal with all that.

“When we get the ball I do my own thing and wander off, but when the other team get the ball back I listen again.

“It’s not an instinct, I know a rough position of where I need to be, but any instructions I just listen to those guys.”