Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday after holding on to secure a 2-1 victory against Everton at Goodison Park.
The victory was important considering the dismal performance of the entire team during the Manchester Derby, where the Red Devils were beaten 3-6 by Manchester City.
They followed that up with an unconvincing victory against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League in midweek and the pundits were ready to pounce if United slipped up.
Erik Ten Hag, having seen some players struggle over the course of the last two games, made some changes and they paid off as the incoming staff shone brighter.
The result highlighted why Ten Hag has been insisting on the need to have a strong, happy team and competition in the group.
RB competition needed
Currently, the United team has quite a few gaps to fill, especially at right back.
The most exciting young right-back in Europe right now? he is in the conversation
A detailed deep dive into Malo Gusto and why I think he should be the RB signing for Erik Ten Hags Man United
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— Everyday MUFC (@EverydayUnited2) September 21, 2022
Diogo Dalot has firmly established himself as the main contender for the job and has started every Premier League match. But he is one yellow card away from missing a game.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is his natural replacement, but the Dutchman clearly doesn’t qualify him. He was close to being sold, but the club’s hierarchy ended up blocking a move as they didn’t want to take too big a hit on their initial investment.
The former Crystal Palace defender has played a total of four minutes this season and his lack of ability with the ball at his feet has made him unlikely to feature in Ten Hag’s plans for the season.
United were linked with quite a few alternatives in the summer, most notably Sergino Dest, who ended up on loan to Serie A giants AC Milan.
There were links with Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, as well as Monaco right-back Vanderson. Inter do not want to lose another of their stars, while Monaco will only accept offers in the £52m range.
Another option has presented itself in the form of Lyon star Malo Gusto. According to 90min, “Bad Taste is shaping up to be one of the most in-demand teenagers in European football.”
“Barcelona and Manchester United have been eyeing Gusto for much of 2022 and it is understood that they both made inquiries in the summer,” Graeme Bailey revealed.
Taste makes a lot of sense to Utd
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut in January this year and has already registered six assists in 35 starts, alerting Europe’s elites to his potential.
Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are closely monitoring his progress, while the report also adds that “scouts from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have been sent out to compile reports on Gusto in recent weeks.” .
Interestingly, Gusto’s contract is due to expire in 2024 and Lyon are desperately trying to get him to sign an extension. But should they fail to agree, United could step in and steal a bargain right under the noses of all the major clubs.
He is currently priced at £14m according to Transfermarkt.
But with the Glazers reportedly failing to allocate a significant transfer budget for January, can United afford to miss out on another talent?
United are in desperate need of a new right-back and Ten Hag has already proven his acumen in the transfer market. The club must back him to the end as he intends to guide the club back to the top.
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