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Manchester United enter the summer transfer window with many concerns, not least an uninspiring and shaky defence.
The reported agreement of personal terms with Jarrad Branthwaite suggests that Man United have already begun work on strengthening the heart of their defence. They also need to address the left-back position amid uncertainty over the fitness of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
If nothing else, apart from the right flank, the Red Devils could realistically improve all three positions in their back four.
The promising performances of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bisaka over the last two years have eliminated the need for a new right-back. However, this has not been the case under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
During his time in charge, the Norwegian was not entirely convinced of Dalot’s skill set and tried to sign a new player to challenge Wan-Bissaka for the starting spot.
Kieran Trippier was high on his list and now the Newcastle star has confirmed that United have tried to secure his services in 2021.
Speaking about the Mancunian giants’ approach during an interview with The Overlap, the 33-year-old said: “(Manchester) United came (for me) right after the Euros and it was very close. I grew up in a family as a red, but that didn’t happen. Everything happens for a reason.
“It just fell off. Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) was the manager at the time and everything seemed perfect, I was delighted, it was Manchester United, the biggest club in the world.”
“It’s Man United. The biggest club in the world.”@trippier2 on how close he was to joining Man United in 2021 ✍️👹 pic.twitter.com/MIWlk6QfET
— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) June 15, 2024
Six months later, the England international came to Newcastle.
In hindsight, it’s a good thing United failed to sign Trippier as it gave Dalot more opportunities to break into United.
The Portuguese right-back is now one of the first names in Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up, impressing with his composure in possession during the build-up game.
Dalot, who has also improved significantly on the ball, was even named United’s Player of the Season for his exploits in 2023/24.
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