Having set themselves the objective of signing a new right-back this forthcoming summer,
Manchester United need to reconsider. Not for the first time in recent weeks, Diogo Dalot's performance in last weekend's FA Cup quarter-final epic against
Liverpool at Old Trafford earned widespread praise and admiration. He has firmly established himself as one of the most consistent and important players in the squad. Regularly producing performances that are worthy of a solid seven or eight out of 10, the Portuguese international has established himself as United's head right-back again following a ding-dong battle with Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the second half of last season. READ MORE: How United could line-up next season with three new signings READ MORE: Gareth Southgate hints at
England debut for Kobbie Mainoo His performances in recent weeks have been reminiscent of those he produced prior to the 2022
World Cup in Qatar, where he cemented himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet. He now finds himself in that same position once again, despite the recent return of Wan-Bissaka from injury. The former AC Milan loanee has developed considerably this season, adjusting and developing his style of play to ensure he remains aligned with the latest trend of a modern-day full-back. He has regularly tucked into midfield to offer support in the centre, resulting in United having an extra body in the engine room. He has also improved defensively, quashing suggestions that he was only of use to United in attacking scenarios. He has averaged 2.2 tackles, 2.9 clearances, 5.7 ball recoveries and been dribbled past just 0.5 times per 90 in the
Premier League this season. Moreover, he has consistently been available for Erik ten Hag , not missing a single match in any competition this season through injury. He has only been left out of one matchday squad and that was against West Ham United at the
London Stadium on December 23 due to suspension, following the red card he had earned against Liverpool just under a week earlier. In total, he has featured in 38 of United's 40 matches this season, failing to make it off the bench against Wolves on the opening weekend of the season, in addition to the suspension he served against the Hammers. In a season that has seen United hampered by injury issues, particularly in defence, he has been a constant presence. Admitting recently that he is currently enjoying the best form of his career, it is hard to disagree with the 25-year-old, who has done more than enough to stake a claim to cement himself in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's long-term plans for the club. His form over the course of the season has been so good that the addition of a new right-back may no longer be a necessity for United ahead of next term. Diogo Dalot has been excellent in recent weeks for Manchester United. (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images.) As reported by the Manchester Evening News last month, Bayer Leverkusen ace Jeremie Frimpong is a player United are keeping a close eye on ahead of the summer. He has excelled for the Bundesliga title hopefuls this term, deservedly earning interest from a crop of big-name clubs. However, there are positions within United's ranks, such as central midfield and centre-back, that are in greater need of fresh blood. Plus, Frimpong, formerly of
Manchester City, is more accustomed to a wing-back role, whereas Dalot is tailor-made for the full-back role at Old Trafford. United, as revealed last September , have plans to sign a new full-back this summer, but their need for a right-back is no longer as great as possibly first thought. It is possible Wan-Bissaka may be sold, opening up a window of opportunity to sign a replacement to act as Dalot's understudy, but the money could be better spent on recruiting a left-back instead, such has been the volume of injury-related issues United have encountered on that side of the back four this term. Tyrell Malacia has not kicked a ball all season and Luke Shaw has been limited to just 15 appearances in all competitions. As good as the latter is when he is fully fit and firing on all cylinders, his injury record is becoming hard to defend. Therefore, signing a first-choice left-back could become a bigger priority than signing a starting right-back. Dalot, on current form, does not deserve to be dislodged from Ten Hag's strongest starting XI.