Transfer News: Erik ten Hag hints at wanting another right-back at Manchester United
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has hinted that he wants another right-back in January for his team to be able to compete in games.
Speaking after his side won 1-0 at home against West Ham United, Ten Hag told Sky Sports (h/t Express) that he was very happy with Diogo Dalot, but has hinted at wanting another right-back.
“I’m really happy with the development of Diogo, it’s really well done. I think his defending positions are growing from game to game, timing, duels, better from game to game.”
“In possession, I think he’s really good, the development is really good but I have to make a mention Manchester United need two good full-backs because we have games to cover.”
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the only natural right-back after Dalot in the team, but the Englishman has missed a large part of this season due to injury. Even when he was fit during the starting weeks of the season, he wasn’t preferred at all.
The former Crystal Palace defender has only made one appearance for his side this season. He came off the bench during United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool back in August. It is clear that his lack of finesse in the attacking third and perhaps even his defensive acumen (or the lack of it) hasn’t pleased Ten Hag.
On the other hand, Dalot has simply been one of the best players for the Red Devils this season. The 23-year-old has started in all 17 games for the club this season in all competitions, scoring one goal and assisting another two in the process.
Given the form that the Portuguese has been in, even if Wan-Bissaka becomes fully fit he will likely have a tough time replacing Dalot as a starter under Ten Hag. Plus, there were rumours linking the 24-year-old away from the club this summer.
Ten Hag could do with another right-back. Dalot is more than likely to go to Qatar next month for the World Cup and he cannot be expected to start all the games in the second half of the season. With a hectic schedule to come, having another good right-back will help the club in the long run.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United could land Cody Gakpo for a cut-price deal in the January transfer window
- Transfer News: Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Sporting CP in the January transfer window
- Manchester United star Raphael Varane provides a promising update on his injury
It remains to be seen whom United target in the January window. There are still two months to go before the window opens and it will be wise for the club to assess multiple options before confirming their desired player.
