Revealed: How new Dalot deal will change Man Utd's plans at right-back

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 2 min read

Manchester United are desperate to renew the contract of Diogo Dalot and will sit down with the right-back after the World Cup to discuss his future.

Dalot has established himself as United’s first-choice right back in recent seasons and is out of contract in the summer, although the club have an option to extend his deal for a further year.

United are hoping to agree a long-term extension with Dalot to ward off interest from Barcelona, who are likely to make a summer approach for the 23-year-old.

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Dalot has impressed under Erik ten Hag, even ousting Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo as Portugal’s first-choice right-back, and he has played all but one of United’s games this season.

United’s right-back plans

United had previously considered signing a new starting right-back in the summer, with Denzel Dumfries and Sergino Dest being considered.

However, according to reporter Fabrizio Romano, the progression of Dalot has changed United’s thinking, with the club now looking to reward the defender with a new deal and proceed with him as a starter.

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United will instead look to move on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has played just four minutes of football this season, and sign a new backup right-back in the summer.

Wan-Bissaka was a £50 million signing in 2019 but his lack of attacking output has failed to convince Ten Hag and the club are set to cut their losses on the 25-year-old, with a number of Premier League sides thought to be interested.

The decision to pursue an understudy to Dalot instead of a true replacement effectively rules out a move for Dumfries, with Inter Milan likely to demand in excess of £50m for the Dutchman.

A likely target could be Jeremie Frimpong, a player who United have thoroughly scouted and who has impressed for Bayer Leverkusen this season.

FootballTransfers deems the 21-year-old to have a value of €27m and he would offer a versatile option with an eye for goal, having scored five goals this season already.