Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd transfer pressure ramps up as yet another European giant comes knocking for vital figure

Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, July 2022

Manchester United are still under pressure around selling Diogo Dalot, as Real Madrid have now reportedly thrown their hat in the ring for the full-back.

Dalot had not fully made his mark at United until the last couple of campaigns. Indeed, he made just 12 Premier League starts in his first season at Old Trafford.

A long-term injury kept him on the sidelines for much of the next season. The following campaign, he was sent out to AC Milan to find form.

Clearly, that loan spell did wonders for his development. Indeed, Dalot returned to United a much improved player, and made 30 appearances in all competitions.

This season, he has nailed down the spot as the starting right-back. He is yet to miss a game in the both the league and the Europa League, starting all 14 games that United have played.

The Red Devils are having a decent season in both of those competitions so far.

Given Dalot has performed well over the past year, United have had to ready their defences, as big teams have taken notice.

Indeed, big hitters Barcelona have been frequently linked with Dalot of late. Some reports have stated that Dalot would entertain the idea of a move away from United.

He has until the end of the season under contract at United. However, Erik ten Hag’s side do have the option to add an extra year onto the defender’s stay.

Dalot transfer pressure ramps up

Barcelona are not the only big Spanish side with an interest in Dalot, it seems.

The Mirror reports that last season’s Champions League winners Real Madrid are keen on the right-back. The Spanish giants reportedly want to sign an experienced right-back, but one that has ‘plenty of years in the tank’.

Given Dalot has been a starter for a good portion of the past year, he has racked up a fair bit of experience. What’s more, he is only 23 years old, so he should no doubt get better over time.

Real have apparently turned their attention to the United full-back after it was made clear they could not poach Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo.

Financially, they should find it no problem to snare Dalot.

United could find it tough to compete

A recent report around Dalot stated that he wanted to pen a new long-term deal with United.

Of course, that would be a bonus, given how central he now is to the side. Whether or not those reports are now accurate, given interest from Real, is a different question.

It would be hard for any player to turn down a club with the history and stature that they have.

As such, with Dalot’s contract running down, he could opt against penning a new deal. That would mean United would have to either sell up to guarantee they make a decent sum, or let him go for nothing.

There is still time for the situation to work itself out, though. United, of course, will hope that their star remains at the club for a long period.