John Murtough blocked Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag from signing Sergino Dest
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was scuppered by John Murtough from signing USMNT full-back Sergino Dest from Barcelona in favour of keeping Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to The Athletic (Subscription Required) [h/t Metro].
The Red Devils’ sporting director was keen on the new gaffer keeping hold of the 24-year-old. Ten Hag had placed Wan-Bissaka on the transfer list. However, Murtough wanted the former Crystal Palace star to be a part of the former Ajax head coach’s plans.
Dest eventually moved to AC Milan on loan during the transfer window. The 21-year-old wanted to reunite with former boss Ten Hag. However, Barcelona’s valuation was considered too much by the Manchester-based club.
United look solid at the back
By the end of the transfer window, United managed to get six deals over the line. Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez were added early in the summer to bolster the defence. The two have slotted straight into the Red Devils’ starting XI.
The defence has also seen a shift in recent weeks. After disappointing performances in the first two fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, the gaffer decided to change things up. Harry Maguire was dropped to the bench, being replaced by Raphael Varane against Liverpool.
Diogo Dalot seems to have cemented his place on the right-hand side of the back four as well. And since the North West Derby, United have won four Premier League games on the trot.
The Portuguese right-back has seen his fortunes change at United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer preferred Wan-Bissaka. However, since the Norwegian’s departure, Dalot has been the firm favourite in the team.
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With the former Crystal Palace star staying at the club, a move for Dest was evidently unnecessary. However, Wan-Bissaka has played just four minutes in all competitions this season. It remains to be seen where the 24-year-old’s future lies in the coming months.
