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Man United turned down upcoming UCL opponent’s approach for in-form defender in January

Man United could still sell Diogo Dalot on one condition. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Diogo Dalot in action for Manchester United. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund tried to sign Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot in January transfer window

According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot was a transfer target for Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund this January. He has enjoyed a resurgence under Ralf Rangnick since the latter took over the role as the interim manager.

Dalot had found it difficult to get into the starting lineup under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite enjoying a solid time at AC Milan last season. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was a pinned starter for Norwegian even though he struggled for form at times during this campaign. Rangnick seems to have turned things around for the ex-Porto ace as he is now a regular first-team player for us.

And it seems that his displays did not go unnoticed, with Atletico and Dortmund enquiring about his availability last month. Diego Simeone was an admirer of his abilities and targeted him to replace Kieran Trippier, who has since sealed a move to Newcastle United. The Bundesliga side had tried to get him in August before this but failed to get his services. AS Roma also tried to get him in October, although there were no enquiries from their part last month.

Atletico and Dortmund tried to sign Diogo Dalot. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Atletico and Dortmund tried to sign Diogo Dalot. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

For the better!

The 22-year-old has shown more promise than Wan-Bissaka has done since the latter left Crystal Palace to move to Old Trafford. It would have been a surprising sight to see if we parted ways with him in the current scenario. After all, Dalot is doing well and Rangnick certainly seems to trust him down that flank.

Not to mention, it would not have made sense to strengthen Diego Simeone’s side when we are set to face them in the Champions League later this month. And having Jose Mourinho’s Roma have Dalot would have also meant letting ex-United manager Jose Mourinho take away one of our bright prospects in defence.

Moreover, the Red Devils defender has been excellent for us in the attacking department down that wing, even if his defensive game could use a bit of polishing up. Wan-Bissaka, for once, has been seriously challenged, and possibly dismantled, from the right-back position ever since he came to Old Trafford.

Diogo Dalot saw multiple enquiries for his services last January. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Diogo Dalot saw multiple enquiries for his services last January. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

We have seen Luke Shaw reach a whole new level ever since Alex Telles joined us from FC Porto. The competition really saw him play some of his best football for us and hopefully, Dalot and Wan-Bissaka can push each other the same way. The importance of quality in depth is something that cannot be undermined as well.

If the Portuguese full-back continues to grow in the current trajectory, he could have the potential to become one of our cemented starters in the long-term future. Whether that will happen or not would only be known in due time.

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But for now, it is good to see United having two different options to field down the right-hand side of their defence.

Written by Rijo Sam Daniel

A football enthusiast who is madly in love with the game

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