After Manchester United’s £200m+ mega splurge in the summer, it was always supposed to be a quiet January window for the club.
But Erik ten Hag pointed to the lack of a backup right-back as an issue that could be addressed during the winter window after admitting first-choice full-back Diogo Dalot had been overworked.
It was evident from his handling of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s favorite Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who had seen just four minutes of action before the World Cup, that he was no longer part of the coach’s plans.
ETH wants a right back
Despite redeeming himself through his performances against Burnley in the EFL Cup and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, Wan-Bissaka is still expected to go.
The hunt for United’s right-back has been complicated by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and the subsequent need to recruit an elite goalscorer.
But the club remains committed to bringing in a player to compete with the Portugal international should Wan-Bissaka leave on loan in January.
Quite a few names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in January, but a lot depends on player valuation given the tight funding currently plaguing the club.
???????????? Manchester United are shelving plans to sign 19-year-old right-back Malo Gusto until the summer due to Lyon’s £35m asking price. Newcastle United are also chasing him. [@MailSport] #MUFC pic.twitter.com/JqXo4xKDEI
— United Update (@UnitedsUpdate) December 29, 2022
One of the names constantly linked to the Red Devils is Bad Taste, from Lyon. But it will not be easy to get his services in January or next summer due to the interest he is generating among the European elites.
According to The Daily Mail, “Newcastle have joined the list of clubs showing interest in Lyon right-back Malo Gusto. The 19-year-old is also wanted by Manchester United.”
Newcastle join United in the race for Gusto
The report also mentions that “offers are expected to be shelved until the summer with Lyon expected to request at least £35m by January.”
Gusto has made 14 Ligue 1 appearances so far this campaign, putting him in the club’s top five most used players this season. Only three players having played more minutes than him.
He also has an assist to show for his efforts, and despite his tender age, he has been one of Lyon’s standout players.
One of the most agile players in the Lyon squad, the full-back likes to push forward and is always seen hugging the touchline and bringing width to Lyon’s game this season.
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