The bulk of Manchester United’s business this summer has been to strengthen the defence, with Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez both arriving to bolster Erik ten Hag’s backline.
Despite the two signings, questions remain over the right-back position. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been the first choice since he signed three years ago but he has now been demoted.
Diogo Dalot, who always struggled to impress Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has been favoured by both Ralf Rangnick and Ten Hag. The Portugal international started all four games of United’s tour of Thailand and Australia.
Now, journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United are open to signing a right-back but that would depend on Wan-Bissaka’s future.
Sergino Dest, the Barcelona full-back, has worked with Ten Hag in the past and he’s one of the players being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
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“More recently, we’ve also seen some speculation involving Manchester United and the USA international, and my understanding is that they could be open to signing a new right-back at some point, but it will depend on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future,” Romano told CaughtOffside.
Romano also confirmed that United are expecting offers for Wan-Bissaka, who has two years remaining on his deal at the club.
“At the moment Man United have not opened any talks for Dest. They are expecting offers for Wan-Bissaka – there had been contact with Crystal Palace but so far no official negotiations.”
SN’s verdict…
Wan-Bissaka’s first two seasons at United were promising but the expectation was that he would develop into a capable weapon in the final third. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened and Ten Hag wants firepower down each flank.
It’s no surprise that he favours Dalot – the former Porto star is more comfortable on the ball and trumps Wan-Bissaka at crossing.
As things stand, United have four senior left-backs and two right-backs. It remains to be seen whether sales in that department would force them into signing another full-back or if that money is reinvested elsewhere.
