Manchester United 'could sign a new right-back in January'

Manchester United are reportedly considering moving for a new right-back at the start of 2023.

Diogo Dalot has been one of the team's most consistent performers during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring in all 19 of their matches in all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists in the process.

The 23-year-old's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next summer, but Man United have the option of activating a 12-month extension, while the club are also said to be planning to open talks over a new long-term deal due to his impressive development.

The Red Devils are short of options on the right side of their defence, though, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka seemingly not in the plans of head coach Erik ten Hag moving forward.

Wan-Bissaka has only played four minutes of football during the 2022-23 campaign, while he has not even been in the squad for the team's last two Premier League games despite recovering from a back injury.

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Norwich City's Max Aarons and Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong have recently been linked with Man United, as the club seemingly prepare to bring in competition for Dalot.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils will 'try to find a solution' for Wan-Bissaka in January, which would open up space in the squad to move for a new right-back in the winter window.

Romano claims that Sergino Dest was an option over the summer, but the United States international is no longer available, having joined AC Milan on loan from Barcelona.

Speaking after the recent victory over West Ham United, Ten Hag detailed the importance of having "two good full-backs" while praising Dalot's form this term.

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"I'm really happy with the development of Diogo," the Dutchman told Sky Sports News. "His defensive positioning is growing from game to game, his time, also duels, are better from game to game and in possession I think he's really good.

"He [Dalot] has the breath to go up and down [the flank] so the development is really good, but I have to mention, I think a club like Man Utd need two good full-backs because we have a lot of games to cover."

A recent report claimed that Norwich's Aarons could be available for around £15m during the January transfer window, with the Englishman boasting Premier League experience, having featured in England's top flight on 70 occasions despite currently playing in the Championship.

Frimpong, meanwhile, has been in impressive form for Leverkusen during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring five goals and registering three assists in 20 appearances.

Ten Hag will have a decision to make against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, as Dalot is suspended due to the yellow card that he picked up against Aston Villa last time out.