The player who has suffered the most under Erik ten Hag's arrival at Manchester United is Aaron Wan-Bissaka. By some distance.
Wan-Bissaka was a mainstay under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, one of the first names on the teamsheet but things have changed drastically under the new United boss. Before Ten Hag even had his feet through the door it had become clear that the right-back was unfancied by the Dutchman.
It's hardly surprising considering Wan-Bissaka's unfortunate nose-dive in form since his £50million switch from Crystal Palace. He may have been injured for the last couple of months but it's unlikely he would have played much more than the four minutes he has so far even if he wasn't.
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Thankfully, Diogo Dalot has been in excellent form and continues to get better and better under Ten Hag's stewardship. But the manager appears to want quality competition to complement the Portuguese.
The Telegraph reports that a new right-back signing may be considered in January - despite John Murtough warning the club won't be splashing the cash in the winter window - but it would hinge on whether the club can move on Wan-Bissaka.
If that does come to pass then here are five potential options United could consider:
Jeremie Frimpong - Bayer Leverkusen
The name being repeatedly linked with United that fans are increasingly excited about is Jeremie Frimpong. The 21-year-old established himself in the Leverkusen first team last season after bursting onto the scene at Celtic but has gone from strength to strength this year.
He has proven to be a real threat from defence, scoring five goals in 14 Bundesliga games, and would certainly add real strength in depth if he returned to Manchester following a stint in Manchester City's academy. However, the Dutchman would cost a pretty penny as he's contracted until 2025.
Max Aarons - Norwich City
Max Aarons has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford but two underwhelming Premier League campaigns dampened the rumours. He shouldn't be written off completely for that, though, given he has been in a poor, outmatched side each time. He is still only 22 and has continued to put in great displays in the Championship.
There is clearly a lot of talent within Aarons, with his pace and attacking tenacity making him well-suited for Ten Hag and he likely wouldn't mind sharing playing time with Dalot. With his contract running down Norwich may look to cash in.
Josip Juranovic - Celtic
Josip Juranovic has been earning rave reviews for his performances since moving to Celtic in 2021. The Croatian has proven to be extremely sturdy at the back and a decent threat going forward. He has been linked with a big move to the Premier League with United and Chelsea both said to be interested.
At 27 he is not at the best age for development but could be an experienced backup to Dalot.
Malo Gusto - Lyon
If United are looking for extremely promising talent before they blossom into world-class superstars then they may want to consider Malo Gusto. The 19-year-old is the latest prodigy to emerge from the prolific Lyon academy and has already played 52 times for the club despite his tender age after breaking into the team last season.
Though he could be more prolific in goal contributions, he has plenty of potential that United could look to get in on if they sign him before anyone else manages to. With his contract expiring in 2024 a move may not be far away.
Ethan Laird - On loan at QPR
The most cost-effective way United could enhance their options at right-back is to recall Ethan Laird back from his loan spell at Queens Park Rangers. After a difficult couple of years with injury and a tricky loan to Bournemouth, the academy starlet is really finding his form in London.
Laird has been a stand-out performer for the play-off chasing QPR with his pace offering a constant threat down the right. The 21-year-old's manager at Loftus Road would be sad to lose him but he certainly looks ready to compete for a spot at United.
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