Manchester United have reportedly entered into a transfer battle for a new wing-back this summer as Rúben Amorim continues his squad changes.
Rúben Amorim’s wing-backs at Manchester United have been a point of debate since the Portuguese boss joined the club last year.
Traditionally, United have played with a flat back four, with Sir Alex Ferguson generally favouring a classic 4-4-2 or a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation, but under Amorim it’s been three centre-backs.
While the 40-year-old’s theoretical set-up sees the wing-backs act as wingers and create a front five, in practice, it’s been far too negative.
Using the likes of Diogo Dalot, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Noussair Mazraoui on the right and left flanks has often held an average position deemed too defensive. At the same time, winger Amad has been much more consistent with his attacking play on the right.
United battling City for Munoz transfer
United aren’t the only side who regularly play with wing-backs. Oliver Glanser’s Crystal Palace squad, who are battling with Amorim’s side for European spots, have deployed a 3-4-2-1 set-up with Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell on either side.
Munoz has been one of the side’s most potent attacking options on the right flank, and according to CaughtOffside, he is quickly emerging as one of the Premier League’s most-wanted stars.
The report states that United, Manchester City, and Chelsea are among the clubs tracking him most closely. Munoz recently admitted that he would love to move to a club such as United.
“First of all, I think there’s a lot of talk about one club or another,” he said last month. “If you ask me, it would be a dream to play for one of these clubs, whether it’s Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, or Manchester United.
“I think I’m working towards that. I strive every day to one day attract the attention of one of these clubs, because for me, it’s a dream to get there.”
“If you ask me, I don’t have concrete information any of these clubs are interested in me. My focus is on Crystal Palace. We’ll see when the winter transfer window gets closer.”
United could need Munoz if Dalot leaves
Under Erik ten Hag, Diogo Dalot was a fan favourite, but since the switch from full-backs to wing-backs, his performances have come under criticism. Reports last summer stated that Real Madrid saw Dalot as a potential backup target if their move for Trent Alexander-Arnold failed.
While the England international eventually made the switch from Liverpool to Madrid, he’s failed to impress and suffered from injury issues, reportedly leading Los Blancos back to Dalot.
It has been claimed this month that Real Madrid’s long-term interest has led United’s board to consider letting the full-back go this summer, and signing Munoz could be the perfect replacement.
If United secure European football next season, they will need to sign new wing-backs on both flanks, and if Munoz is open to the Old Trafford switch, he would be an ideal attacking upgrade on the Portuguese international.
However, other considerations will need to be made, as Dalot is well-liked among the squad and is known to have emerged as a real leader in the dressing room.
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