So far this summer, Manchester United have signed a creative midfielder, a left-back and a centre-back. The club’s priority remains to strengthen the holding midfield position but there could be movement in other areas.
Following a record-low Premier League finish last season, there aren’t many players safe from being axed by Erik ten Hag as he continues to revolutionise the squad.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of the players with uncertain futures at Old Trafford. Ralf Rangnick, who replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the end of last year, dropped the 24-year-old in favour of Diogo Dalot and so far, Ten Hag has done the same.
United have been linked with several right-backs as a result but Fabrizio Romano, the transfer expert, has denied any links pairing the club with Lens defender Jonathan Clauss, insisting that moves for a right-sided defender will only be made if Wan-Bissaka leaves.
Read more: Erik ten Hag identifies left side as Man Utd’s weakness
“Manchester United will think of a right back only if Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves,” Romano wrote in his CaughtOffside column. “The club are taking the time in pre-season to assess him and other players. My understanding is that Diogo Dalot is in the plans of Erik ten Hag, with the Portuguese youngster appreciated by the manager.
“Despite some of the transfer rumours, Jonathan Clauss has never been a Manchester United target, he will soon sign with Olympique Marseille; Denzel Dumfries is appreciated by Ten Hag but there are still no negotiations with Inter Milan,” he added.
SN’s verdict…
As things stand, it feels like United have completed the bulk of their business and only Frenkie de Jong, the current Barcelona midfielder, remains before Ten Hag is satisfied with his maiden transfer window at the club.
Earlier this week, Ten Hag explained why he wants a midfielder capable of playing in the deepest position and De Jong seems to fit the criteria.
Dalot has impressed during pre-season and that could halt any plans to sign a right-back this summer but should Wan-Bisska leave, it’s imperative that a replacement is brought in.
