Five right-backs that Manchester United have been linked with amid Aaron Wan-Bissaka rumours

Diogo Dalot has received numerous accolades for his performances this season, but Erik ten Hag appears to have thought Aaron Wan-Bissaka surplus to needs.

If Wan-Bissaka leaves Old Trafford in January, United will need to replace him with someone who can compete with Dalot.

We’ve looked at five right-backs who have been connected to United in recent months.

1. Aarons, Max

Aarons, a Norwich City academy graduate, was promoted to the senior squad in August 2018 and has since appeared in over 175 games for the club.

During the 2020/21 season, Bayern Munich and Barcelona were connected with the right-back but refused to pay the £35 million asking price.

According to Football Insider, United has shortlisted the 22-year-old, who is currently worth roughly £15 million.

“I think Max Aarons would be a no-brainer if Manchester United came knocking,” Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke told GiveMeSport. “He desires to play in the Premier League and does not desire to play in the Championship.”

“He’s got great ambitions and has been associated with a number of elite teams over the years, so I think the opportunity to play at Old Trafford would be too good to pass up.”

Former Manchester United center-back Rio Ferdinand believes the England Under-21 international might be a Chris Smalling-type acquisition for Ten Hag’s side.

Despite his inconsistency this season, Aarons is a great prospect who would fit Ten Hag’s style of play.

2. Jeremie Frimpong

Frimpong began his career with Manchester City’s academy and played alongside Jadon Sancho, however, he never appeared for the club in the first squad.

He joined Celtic in the summer of 2019 and helped them win the domestic treble in his rookie season, as well as being named Young Player of the Year.

The defender joined Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021 for a reputed £11.5 million and has since improved his game.

Frimpong, who plays primarily as a wing-back but can also play as a conventional right-back, does not shirk his defensive duties but is unquestionably an attacking player.

The Netherlands Under-21 international has five goals and an assist in 14 Bundesliga appearances this season, and he also set up both goals for Bayer Leverkusen in their 2-0 Champions League group stage win over Atletico Madrid.

“His acceleration and deceleration abilities are world-class.” “If you’re world-class at something at Celtic and in the Bundesliga, you’re world-class in other leagues,” said Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes.

“There were other things he needed to work on when he arrived, and he’s done well.” He has the drive to improve himself.”

According to Sky Sports Germany writer Florian Plettenberg, Frimpong is on United’s list of targets, and Fabrizio Romano has since reported that scouts have been deployed to watch him.

3. Denzel Dumfries

Dumfries, another Dutch defender, joined Inter Milan in 2021 as a replacement for Achraf Hakimi at right wing-back.

Due to his defensive work rate and attacking output, the 26-year-old has helped fill the vacuum left by Hakimi and has become an important member of Simone Inzaghi’s team.

He had five goals and seven assists in 45 games last season and has already contributed five direct goals in 2022/23.

United is preparing an offer for Dumfries, according to CalcioMercatoWeb, and the source claims he would appreciate the opportunity to work under fellow countryman Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

According to InterLive, the full-back is worth roughly €45-50 million, and the Serie A club is already scouting for successors.

However, United may face competition from Premier League opponents, as he has surfaced as a transfer target for Chelsea and Tottenham.

“Of course, the interest flatters me,” Dumfries recently told De Telegraaf. “However, my sole interest is Inter.” We hope to reclaim the Scudetto after losing it last season.”

4. malo gusto

Lyon’s academy is well-known for developing world-class players, and Gusto is the most recent addition to their roster.

He made his first-team debut in January 2021 at the age of 17 before having a breakout season last season, registering five assists in 37 games across all competitions.

The 19-year-old, who began his career as an offensive midfielder, has exceptional technique and vision, but his defensive abilities are lacking.

When asked to characterize his style, he responded, “Rather offensive, punchy, forceful, rapid, technically adept.” “And I believe that they are the attributes that a modern fullback should possess nowadays.” I’m aware that I still need to improve my defensive positioning and tracking back.”

Gusto is becoming one of the most in-demand kids in European football, according to 90min. United initiated an inquiry for the France Under-21 international in the summer, according to the source, and has since deployed scouts to collect reports on him.

However, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham all keep tabs on his progress.

Lyon would like to reward Gusto with a new contract, but his present term expires at the end of the 2023/24 season, and teams may attempt to take advantage of the contract issue by signing the right-back for a low-cost deal.

5. Vanderson

Vanderson has established himself as one of the most promising players in his position since joining Monaco from Gremio in a £9.6m deal in the January transfer window.

Unlike Wan-Bissaka, the attack-minded right-back is known for his passing and crossing skills, and Monaco has used him further forward. His playing style has also drawn comparisons to that of fellow Brazilian Dani Alves.

Despite signing a new five-year contract with Monaco in August, Sport claims that 2022/23 will be his final season with the Ligue 1 club.

United director of football John Murtough is said to have communicated with the defender’s representatives about a potential move to Old Trafford.

According to Sport, the 21-year-old is also garnering interest from Barcelona, who were quoted €60 million (£52 million) by Monaco during the summer transfer window.

However, the La Liga club will not engage in a bidding battle for Vanderson since they lack the financial resources to outbid English clubs.

“He adapted extremely well here [last season],” Monaco manager Philippe Clement observed. “We’ve already discussed it.” He is also a player that has and continues to pique the interest of several major organizations.

“That may have an effect on his mindset; not that he didn’t have his feet on the ground, but Vanderson is a tremendous perfectionist.”