Man Utd need right-back competition: Is Trippier the answer?

James Shearman

• Updated: 19 May 2021 14:09 BST
• 2 min read

Manchester United will target a right-back in this summer’s transfer window to provide competition for current mainstay Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to reports.

The Red Devils have already reaped the rewards of competition for places in the left-back position, with the arrival of Alex Telles from Porto having seemingly inspired Luke Shaw’s upturn in form.

And, with Milan keen on making Diogo Dalots’s loan move permanent and Brandon Williams in need of regular football, United will be on the lookout for further defensive reinforcements.

With more than just competition for places in mind, Ole Gunnar Solkjaer would benefit from a right-back alternative with a different skillset to Wan-Bissaka.

The 23-year-old signed from Crystal Palace in 2019 following a breakthrough season where he earned a reputation for being defensively sound, a particularly impressive trait for a player of such little experience.

He has only added to his reputation at Manchester United and is now regarded as one of the best defensive players in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, a lack of attacking prowess has somewhat held him back, and given United an area of improvement to consider ahead of the summer.

Tripper to United?

Former Spurs defender Kieran Trippier had been linked with a move to Old Trafford in January but United cooled their interest after the 30-year-old received a 10-week ban for betting offences.

They are, though, still said to remain keen on the player and a summer move could be a possibility.

As you can see, Tripper boasts the aforementioned attacking prowess that Wan-Bissaka appears to lack.

The stark contrast in stats between the two full-backs serves as clear evidence that Tripper would be better suited to games where United will struggle to break down the opposition.

Solskjaer’s side have faced difficulty playing down the right-hand side, with Mason Greenwood unable to match his form of last season.

Trippier’s crossing would somewhat help to elevate the one-sidedness of United’s play as, with Martial/Cavani up front and Marcus Rashford at the back post, they could look to replicate previous exploits by David Beckham who’d look to cross rather to cut inside from the right flank.

Moreover, an added bonus of Trippier’s arrival would be the injection of experience into a fairly young United dressing room.

The Englishman is likely to have a La Liga title to his name come May, as Atletico Madrid currently sit five points clear of Real Madrid with two games in hand.