It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag is keen to add options in some areas of his squad at Manchester United, with right-back being one of them despite Diogo Dalot’s stellar campaign.
Dalot has started all but one of United’s competitive fixtures this season, with the only game he missed being due to suspension after an accumulation of yellow cards.
The former Porto star is also a regular for his country now, with Manchester City star Joao Cancelo forced to watch from the sidelines at this winter’s World Cup.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the next player in line at right-back but Ten Hag has shown very little interest in playing the former Crystal Palace star, indicating that a move for an alternative may be on the agenda.
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Lyon wonderkid Malo Gusto is a player that is highly rated at United and the Frenchman has been named as one of several top transfer targets.
Excl. Malo #Gusto: The 19 y/o is very high rated at #MUFC and one of several top transfer targets as a right back. #Frimpong is still in. Ten Hag is pushing for #Dumfries. Gusto would be a big solution in summer 23. Bosses estimate a price tag of around €30-40m. @SkySportDE 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/Zz0ikYoHcA
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 12, 2022
Bayern Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong is also named as a potential target, whilst it’s believed that Ten Hag is pushing to sign Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries.
In Gusto’s case, it’s believed that a move is planned for the summer rather than in the upcoming January transfer window, with the Old Trafford chiefs estimating a cost of €30-40m.
SN’s verdict…
If his first summer in charge of the side showed anything, it’s that Ten Hag’s judgement in the transfer window can be trusted. All five of his outfield signings have become first-team regulars.
It is, however, unlikely that United will be making a move for a defender in the January window – perhaps that’s one for next summer.
Instead, it’s believed that the club will instead focus on strengthening the frontline following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking after United’s mid-season training camp in Spain, Ten Hag admitted to wanting further options up front.
