Man Utd stance on Dalot sale surfaces with attack-minded option lined up to replace Wan-Bissaka
Erik ten Hag knows exactly what he’ll do with Diogo Dalot this summer, while a recent report linking Man Utd to a right-back now makes perfect sense following the Aaron Wan-Bissaka news.
Wan-Bissaka, 24, has reportedly been told by incoming manager Ten Hag he can leave Manchester United. The £50m signing has endured his worst season to date since arriving from Crystal Palace three years ago.
Both the Athletic and BBC have put Patrick Vieira’s Eagles in the frame for the right-back. A loan move appears the avenue that would give Palace the greatest chance of securing a deal.
Alternatively, Atletico Madrid and Roma are reportedly in the frame. Regardless, it now seems certain Wan-Bissaka will be playing away from Old Trafford next year.
That’ll leave just Diogo Dalot as the club’s only recognised first-team right back. The Portuguese took great strides forward this year and often bumped Wan-Bissaka down to the bench.
Dalot is more attack-minded – something that will suit Ten Hag’s progressive system. However, 90min recently claimed United’s hierarchy aren’t fully convinced by Dalot either.
But according to the Manchester Evening News, any Dalot fears have now been allayed.
They state the 23-year-old features in Ten Hag’s plans and has been told he will be retained next season.
Yet a club the size of Manchester United cannot enter a campaign with just one right-back. Should Wan-Bissaka secure a move, a new arrival must be sanctioned.
Sergino Dest ticks all the boxes
That’s where the previous 90min report comes back to the fore. They stated Barcelona’s Sergino Dest was being eyed by United and a move for the American now makes more sense.
Chelsea and Tottenham are also believed to be among those interested in a move. It was stated Dest had been offered to all three by his representatives.
But with Wan-Bissaka on the way, Dest will represent a readymade replacement and his relatively low cost will ensure United can strengthen in other areas that are a bigger priority, most notably centre-back and central midfield
The report stated Dest is not in Xavi’s long-term plans and his prior connections with Ten Hag will give Man Utd an edge. Dest played under the Dutchman during their time together at Ajax.
Dest will reportedly ‘jump at the chance’ to reunite with Ten Hag. At 21 and with an emphasis on attacking in his game, he’d represent ideal competition for Dalot at right-back. Either a loan or permanent deal are possible.
Dalot and Dest enough at right-back?
Should those two players be United’s options at right-back next year, Ten Hag certainly wouldn’t lack for attacking output.
However, they do lack an abundance of top level experience. At 23 and 21 respectively, the odd mistake in their own half will be inevitable. Yet if Ten Hag is to turn Manchester United around, time and patience will be the buzzwords at Old Trafford.
Furthermore, with Barcelona ready to sever ties, Dest would not command a huge fee if signed outright. That would allow United’s resources to be channelled into more important areas.
A new centre-half, central midfielder and striker are on the agenda. Darwin Nunez has been mentioned with filling the latter category, though the absence of Champions League football might hurt.
As such, the Telegraph stated a left-footed right winger is their back-up plan in the final third. With that in mind, a shock raid on Leeds United for Raphinha has been mooted.
