Manchester United were among six Premier League clubs to have sent their scouts to watch one of Saturday’s 3pm kick-offs in hopes of getting a closer look at one rising star.
Indeed, the Red Devils scouting staff joined Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United at St. Mary’s over the weekend to keep tabs on how Tyler Dibling fared, according to HITC.
After United overturned the Saints 3-0 last week, reports emerged following the game claiming that club chiefs had been thoroughly impressed by the 18-year-old’s showing – particularly in the first half, as he was undoubtedly the hosts’ standout performer in his first-ever top-flight start.
Dibling’s attacking flair down the right flank caught Diogo Dalot off guard at one stage as he clumsily lunged in and brought the youngster down in the area to give a penalty away, though Cameron Archer proceeded to see his attempt – and follow-up – saved by Andre Onana.
Against Ipswich Town on Saturday, the midfielder opened the scoring with a stellar strike to mark his maiden senior goal, though it was countered by a last-gasp equaliser from Sam Morsy in the fifth minute of injury time.
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Dibling hailed by his manager after opening Saints account
Manager Russell Martin couldn’t have spoken higher of Dibling following the full-time whistle, telling the Times Series: “Tyler was excellent, but we also need to bear in mind his age and be patient. It’s not just going to be easy and a linear path to being the best he can be. But he can do things that not many other players I’ve ever seen can do. I love working with him. I love watching him play.
“I would pay a lot of money to watch him play football. And, fortunately, I’m the guy that gets to work with him and try and develop him.”
Understandably, the Saints board are doing their utmost behind the scenes to tie down their academy graduate with a long-term contract. They’ll certainly get the wheels in motion after learning of the interest he’s quickly garnering.
