Manchester United are reportedly considering a January move for Norwich City’s Max Aarons, according to The Sun.
Diogo Dalot is undeniably in the form of his life and has elevated his career to a new level under Erik ten Hag, but the Portuguese right-back cannot continue to play every game under the Dutchman.
The 23-year-old has started all 17 of Manchester United’s games this season, but when specifically asked about the former Porto man’s impressive performances after Sunday night’s battling 1-0 win against West Ham United, the former Ajax manager made a subtle comment that may have been a message sent to the club’s hierarchy.
The 52-year-old said live on Sky Sports: “I have to mention Man United need two good full-backs [on the left and right] because we have a lot of games to play.”
Luke Shaw has benefitted from the arrival of Tyrell Malacia, but United’s number 20 doesn’t have anyone to challenge him for the right-back berth.
Regardless of Aaron Wan-Bissaka‘s injury issues this season, the £50m signing, who has played just four minutes this season, doesn’t fit the profile of player that Ten Hag wants at Old Trafford, and it seems a matter of when not if when the former Crystal Palace man will leave United either on loan or a permanent deal.
Manchester United considering Max Aarons move
But if United’s number 29 is to depart as early as the January transfer window, Ten Hag will want a replacement brought in, who is capable of covering and challenging Dalot.
Then Sun report: “United have been long-term admirers of Aarons and were one of eight clubs who scouted the 22-year-old at England Under-21s victory over Germany at Bramall Lane in September.”
Norwich’s number two, who is reportedly valued around £10m, is potentially an option and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is another right-back that has been touted as a possible replacement for Wan-Bissaka.
Aarons, who has the same agent as former Red Rio Ferdinand – New Era Global Sports, has 70 Premier League appearances under his belt and with him being a similar age to Dalot, Ten Hag may feel there is plenty of room for improvement and developing.
The 20-time England Under-21 international’s contract at Carrow Road expires in just over 18 month’s time.
From 184 games for the Canaries, Aarons has six goals and 15 assists to his name.
Manchester United will understandably be wary of pursuing another English right-back following the failure of Wan-Bissaka’s big money move, but if the Red Devils recoup somewhere in the region of £10m for the former Eagles youngster in January that money could be put towards pursuing Aarons.
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