Gary Neville urges Man United to change one transfer plan as they already have “the future”

Gary Neville has urged Manchester United to change their transfer plans as they already have “the future” at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.

Diogo Dalot has been one of Manchester United‘s most consistent players during a turbulent time for Erik ten Hag, with the Dutch manager under intense pressure due to poor results at Old Trafford.

However, the Portuguese international has been a mainstay in his side at both right back and left back, with the full-back starting to form an undroppable partnership with Alejandro Garnacho on the right flank.

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After Dalot was rightly praised for a fantastic block against West Ham two weeks ago, he then produced a brilliant winning assist for Scott McTominay’s late goal against Aston Villa, prompting United legend Gary Neville to speak on the player.

“I want to talk a little bit about Dalot,” he began, speaking on the Gary Neville podcast.

“Because Dalot is someone that people say about [when they discuss] the right-back for the future for Manchester United. They might have the right-back for the future there. 

“There is a lot there: he’s six foot; he’s strong; he’s powerful; he’s good on the ball; he’s not a bad defender. I think he defends his back post really well. He opens up his shoulders.”

Speaking further, Neville explained that as long as Dalot can continue playing in the way he has so far this season, he can prove himself to be a huge asset to the side.

“I think if he can start playing in a really confident back four and a settled back four [then he could be the right-back for the future],” he continued.

“There was a horrific statistic before the game [against Villa] that I saw – it was something like 16 or 17 or 18 [different] partnerships or back fours. It’s all over the place, and none of them are ever in a settled back four from game to game, or half to half! Shaw goes off, Martínez [got injured] last week.

“It’s always changing, and he’s never really got a constant presence outside him on that right-hand side. I had that for years, where I could build a relationship.”

Finally, Neville addressed the summer transfer window. There have been rumours of late that United are looking to sign a new right-back this summer, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka likely to leave. This would either be as a deputy to Dalot or a new first-choice right-back, with Dalot dropping into a rotation role.

“I wouldn’t be too quickly looking to change him. I think he’s something to work with,” Neville cautioned.

“Is he the best in the world? No. But has he got the potential to be? He’s delivering at the moment, but has he got the potential to be a top full-back? Yes.

“Dalot, I think, is someone that you talk about [in terms of the future]. Could he be the one where you think: ‘Give him that shot.’ “