One of the areas that has been targeted for a rebuild this summer is the right-back position.
While targeted centre-back and midfielder, Jurrien Timber and Frenkie de Jong are now generating headlines, the positions of right-back, striker, and a winger may also be looked upon.
If Timber is signed, he may fill in at right-back for Ajax. Sergino Dest of Barcelona has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Dest’s move, on the other hand, will not be necessary until United first sends one or both of Dalot and Wan-Bissaka out.
Last season, they played nearly identical minutes in the Premier League. The difference between Dalot’s 1,796 minutes and Wan-1,794 Bissaka’s minutes was only two minutes.
This demonstrated that United’s previous managers were unable to separate the two, despite the lack of a clear first choice.
That has now changed under Erik ten Hag, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Manchester United current plan for right backs is clear: Diogo Dalot is appreciated and has good chances to stay, only huge bids could change the situation. 🔴 #MUFC
Aaron Wan-Bissaka could leave this summer as Man United are waiting for proposals. pic.twitter.com/vkEL1R8SSg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2022
United’s present ambitions for the duo are already decided. To begin with, Dalot is described as “appreciated” and as having “excellent possibilities” of staying.
Ten Hag has reportedly received favourable reports on Dalot, and Romano believes United will only consider selling the Portuguese this summer if ‘big bids’ are made.
Wan-Bissaka, on the other hand, has a quite different outlook. Manchester United is said to be awaiting offers for the 24-year-old.
Crystal Palace, his old club, is the only one that has expressed interest in the £50 million player at the moment.
Ten Hag’s defence must be mobile, good in one-on-one situations, and comfortable bringing the ball out from the back. Wan-Bissaka checks the first two boxes, but his ability on the ball has always been a question point.
On paper, the more attack-minded Dalot appears to be a better fit for the Dutchman’s style. Despite being regarded as a much better attacket, Dalot did not score or assist previous season.
Regardless, Dalot appears to be a player on the rise, whilst Wan-Bissaka does not.
A move away for the latter may also be advantageous for his international ambitions.
