Man Utd travel to France in search of right-back as contact made with Lyon star agent
Manchester United have started targeting Lyon player Malo Gusto in a bid to improve their right-back options, according to a report.
Erik ten Hag can currently use Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right side of defence. Dalot was given the nod in the first two matches, both of which ended in defeat for the Red Devils.
Ten Hag seems to prefer using Dalot over his English counterpart Wan-Bissaka. Maybe it’s because Dalot is better in attack, something Wan-Bissaka has been criticized for.
Recent reports have claimed that Barcelona hope to sign Dalot, who plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for the Portugal national team.
But according to a Spanish source Mundo Deportivothe defender wants to stay Manchester United after receiving opportunities from Ten Hag. And Barca are also focusing on other transfer targetswhich makes a move very unlikely.
Even if Dalot stays at Old Trafford, United could probably do with signing another right-back. Watch Trent Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool.
Last season, he bagged 19 assists in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s side. That’s more than some attacking midfielders get at other clubs.
Obviously, it would be difficult for United to find a right-back of Alexander-Arnold’s caliber. But they might as well try.
Man Utd target Malo Gusto
french newspaper The Team claim United are in pursuit of Lyon’s Gusto. He is a 19-year-old right-back who represents France U21.
He enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, making 30 appearances in Ligue 1. The year before, he only played twice in the French top flight.
Gusto has also gained Europa League experience in 2021-22, playing seven times in the competition before Lyon’s quarter-final loss to West Ham.
One of the main reasons United will look to Gusto is his attacking production. He had six assists last season, including five in Ligue 1.
Although this is far from Alexander-Arnold’s record, it is still impressive. And the fact that Gusto is only 19 means he has plenty of time to improve further in the attacking third.
According The Team, United chiefs have contacted Gusto’s representatives over a move to Manchester. Barca are also after him as they want to replace Sergino Dest.
Both clubs could find it difficult to get him away from Lyon, however. After such a good season, the French team attaches great importance to Gusto.
And club sources said The Team: “A lot of clubs have approached us but we have been very clear, no departure.”
Gusto’s contract at Groupama Stadium runs until June 2024, which is why Lyon can take such a firm stance.
There is, however, a price that will see Gusto leave Lyon. They will consider offers in the region of £21.2m (€25m).
It is now at United. They could match that price, or offer a fee just below it, to try to trap Gusto from Lyon.
The player clearly has great potential and is also gaining experience on a fairly large stage. But maybe there are other more experienced right-backs the Red Devils could land.
Meanwhile, Nani spoke about what went wrong for United against Brentford and the issues that need to be resolved before Liverpool visit Old Trafford.
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