Manchester United could seriously be considering bringing in a new right back next summer, but it's undeniable that the duo of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot have fought hard to impress no just Erik Ten Hag but the whole of Old Trafford faithfuls as to wh deserves a regular starting berth.
As the team's first-choice right-back, Dalot was perhaps the best in the Premier League in his position. He had a great start to the new season, whereas Wan-Bissaka was overlooked and out with a back injury.
The latter was also told that he could quit the club last summer, and that appeared to be the wisest move for his career. Wan-Bissaka, who was signed for £50 million in 2019, seems to profit from starting over somewhere else.
However, in the past six months, Dalot's performances have gotten worse while Wan-Bissaka has seen a comeback. As a result, the pair has switched places in the right-back pecking order, which was previously unpredictable.
“I think it's really close, the competition between them. Maybe Aaron gives you a little bit more defending and Diogo gives you maybe a little more offence," Erik Ten Hag stated in March.
"But I have to say I think they both have made progress in both areas, so it's really close. You look at the opponent, you look at the load on the players and you have to manage that when you have two almost-equal players."
"Then the form they are in is also an issue and then, of course, how is the team doing in the moment? Then you make your decision."
Although Ten Hag referred to the two as "almost-equal players," his recent team selections indicate that he is favoring Wan-Bissaka. The 25-year-old has started eight of the last nine games, with the exception of the encounter against Aston Villa, when he was substituted.
Moving to the bench seems to be more of a rest stop than a downgrade. Three days later, United played Brighton away from home, and Wan-Bissaka was always going to be needed to counter Kaoru Mitoma's danger.
Mitoma was skillfully handled by Wan-Bissaka in both of the most recent games against Brighton, and the winger described him as a "strong opponent" during the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley. In his own battle with him, he added that it was a "complete defeat."
Dalot has started at left-back in five of the previous nine games, but Malacia has been available and might have taken the field instead. Dalot would have started at right-back in that scenario, but Wan-Bissaka has been given the nod instead.
As opposed to Malacia and Dalot, Ten Hag preferred to play Dalot and Wan-Bissaka. That is more of a criticism on Malacia's performances, but if the Portuguese international had maintained his early-season form, he might have been assured a place at the starting lineup.
Ten Hag's predicament has been made simpler by Dalot. Even though Wan-Bissaka has really improved as a player, there are still concerns about his defensive ability, which explains why the door has opened for Wan-Bissaka once more even though it was closed in August.
The good news for Dalot is that while Wan-Bissaka may currently be at the top of the food chain, history has proven that he may not always hold that position. Observing what transpires during the summer transfer window will be interesting as well.
According to some, United needs a right-back with the talent to claim the position as their own. On the other side, Luke Shaw has left-back covered, but Dalot and Wan-Bissaka have struggled to get regular starts.
While other positions in the squad needs more attention, as the competition for a starting berth at the right back has raised the bars to acceptable standards between Wan Bissaka and Diogo Dalot. Erik Ten Hag will certainly want to rub his influence on the Red Devils ability to play from the back.
Luke Shaw and Tyler Malacia have done great carrying the ball into attacking areas and making dangerous crosses into the opponent's box; especially Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka haven't really been up to the task, although Diogo Dalot dipped in form. This will convince Erik Ten Hag to ensure a right back that will fit into his playing style arrives next season.
Jeremy Frimpong and Vanderson are being tipped to join the 20 times Premier League Champions, Jeremy Frimpong's current club Bayern Leverkusen already signed his replacement from Brazil.
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