Aaron Wan-Bissaka is undeniably Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-choice right-back but Diogo Dalot enjoyed an impressive loan spell at AC Milan last year and is now back at Manchester United.
Solskjaer has been reluctant to use Dalot this season, with Wan-Bissaka starting all of United’s 11 Premier League games since the curtain-raiser against Leeds in August.
Kieran Trippier was linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer but a move never materialised and the England international ended up staying with the Spanish champions.
Earlier this week, reports claimed that Dalot was hopeful of earning a spot in Solskjaer’s side. Furthermore, Jose Mourinho is believed to be targetting the 22-year-old for a reunion in Rome.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United will sanction Dalot’s departure but only on one condition – if Trippier arrives as his replacement.
As per the report, there was interest from United and other Premier League clubs over the summer, but the former Tottenham and Manchester City right-back preferred a move to Old Trafford.
Following his involvement at last summer’s European Championship, Dalot also ended up staying put at his club after they failed to make headway on a deal to sign Trippier.
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SN’s verdict on the right-back merry-go-round…
Clearly, Solskjaer is well aware of Wan-Bissaka’s flaws in the attacking third and his interest in Trippier reflects just that.
Wan-Bissaka has come under heavy scrutiny this season, with patience waining as United’s performances took a turn for the worse.
Dalot has less than two years remaining on his current deal at United and a departure is becoming increasingly likely but the arrival of a 31-year-old Trippier hardly screams longevity.
United already have the perfect replacement waiting in the wings. Young defender Ethan Laird is impressing on loan at Swansea and has already admitted to being keen on a future at the club.
Atletico Madrid are unlikely to let Trippier leave without a fight and should the player demand a high transfer fee, it would make sense to shelve those plans and put their faith in Laird instead.
