With a major rebuilding job ahead of them, new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wasted no time forcing the club to spend more than £200m in the summer to recruit five stars to plug multiple holes in the team.
Despite a much stronger defense and midfield at present, there are still gaps in the squad, especially up front and at right-back.
From nearly growing old with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to becoming the undisputed starter with Ten Hag, Diogo Dalot has come a long way.
Its importance for the Dutchman’s plans is clear to all, since the Portuguese full-back has started in all but one game so far this season.
United plan to give Dalot a new contract
The United manager has spoken of the need to bring in reinforcements given the 23-year-old’s excessive reliance.
So far this season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has played just four minutes and the coach doesn’t consider him good enough for his style of play.
The former Crystal Palace defender made his return from injury against Cádiz in a friendly, but looked off-beat and generally poor as he was directly responsible for the La Liga team’s second of the night.
Manchester United have decided to promote Diogo Dalot’s new contract. He is doing fantastic and the club wants him to stay, an expected meeting after the World Cup. ???????????? #MUFC
Backup plan: new DD deal, sell Wan Bissaka, bring in new backup RB in 2023.
More: https://t.co/4YldE2mRpJ pic.twitter.com/j9qSN9vfih
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 9, 2022
Wan-Bissaka was a regular under Solskjaer, but due to his weakness up front and with the ball at his feet, the current coach doesn’t value him, opting to replace him with left-back Tyrell Malacia when necessary.
The situation of the right back is currently a bit uncertain as Dalot’s contract ends next year and there is no resolution regarding the situation of the English back.
AWB out, new RB in
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, United will meet Dalot’s representatives as soon as the World Cup ends to try to get the player to sign a new long-term contract.
United have the option to extend his contract by one year but want the former Porto player to sign a new contract as soon as possible with multiple European giants monitoring the situation closely.
Wan-Bissaka will also be sold with the Red Devils trying to find a club to play them for the highest transfer fee, considering his initial £45m outlay.
Once these two issues are resolved, the 20-time England champions will look to sign a right-back in January as competition for the Portugal international.
