Manchester United have seen the right-back position become a real issue over the recently concluded campaign. While rivals continue to acquire targets in a bid to strengthen their prospects for next season, Manchester United are yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Despite being strongly linked to a handful of players over the past month, the Red Devils already seem to be languishing behind in their rebuild under Ten Hag, with the club, reportedly, averse to meeting their targets’ valuations in a bid to avoid overpaying for players this summer.

However, with numerous players having already left the club following the expiration of their contracts and several more likely to leave before the closure of the window, United are likely to be compelled in spending a substantial amount of transfer fees over the summer break. While the club remain favourites to land the likes of Frenkie De Jong and Jurrien Timber, United’s need to address an inconsistent defence and forward line could see them seek advantages in the transfer market.

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka likely to be sold and Alex Telles’ future uncertain, the Red Devils could certainly pounce on an opportunity to secure a financially feasible full-back ahead of the new season. Moreover, given the team’s lack of quality in that position, Ten Hag is likely to push for a right-back provided the Dutchman has ample funds at his disposal over the summer.

Denzel Dumfries (Current Club: Inter Milan, Valuation: €30-35m)

Having been linked with a move to Manchester United over the past week, 26-year-old Denzel Dumfries is likely to emerge as a favoured target if Ten Hag is to demand the signing of a new right-back this summer. Despite having joined Inter only last summer, the Dutch international’s notable improvement could see him seek an ambitious move provided a club meets his valuation.

Boasting a commendable five goals and four assists in 21 Serie A starts for Inter last season (stats via transfermarkt), the robust right-back is likely to improve United’s defence under Ten Hag. Although primarily deployed as an attacking wing-back, Dumfries’ ability to contribute in the build-up play is balanced by his willingness to cover ground and utilize his pace and athleticism in executing his defensive duties efficiently.

Moreover, with the player suited to Ten Hag’s tactics and philosophy, the right-back would most likely improve United’s attacking output alongside being an additional goal-threat for the Red Devils. With Dumfries reportedly being considered as an option for the right-back position at United, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils make an active move to secure his services over the summer window.

Ridle Baku (Current Club: VfL Wolfsburg, Valuation: €35-40m)

Amongst the notable emerging talents from the Bundesliga in recent seasons, 24-year-old Ridle Baku continues to show potential in developing into a world-class right-back. Having initially burst onto the scene as a boisterous box-to-box midfielder for FSV Mainz, the versatile German has since adapted his game in allowing managers to extract the best of his attributes in employing him in any position across the right-hand side in recent campaigns.

Having contributed three goals and five assists during Wolfsburg’s 21/22 Bundesliga campaign (stats via transfermarkt), Baku emerges as a full-back capable of supplementing United’s attack in the build-up play.

Boasting a robust physique, the German international presents himself as a solid defender whilst also being capable of dynamically contributing to the attacking play owing to his progressive passing, agility, dribbling, and familiarity with a counter-pressing system. Moreover, being efficient in his ball control and delivery of crosses, the 24-year-old is likely to catch the eye of United provided they look for a right-back this summer.

Tariq Lamptey (Current Club: Brighton & Hove Albion, Valuation: €40-45m)

Amongst the obvious right-back targets, 21-year-old Tariq Lamptey emerges as a player boasting enormous potential. Having shown notable improvement in his overall game since moving to Brighton, the youngster is likely to seek a move provided a club meets his valuation set by the Seagulls this summer.

Although primarily deployed as a wing-back, Lamptey’s ability to contribute across various phases in the build-up play combined with his commendable defensive attributes make him an ideal candidate for Ten Hag’s system.

Boasting enviable pace and acceleration alongside a determination to press, tackle and favourably position himself in defensive transitions, the right-back can significantly improve the progression down the right flank for Manchester United whilst rectifying their inconsistency in defensive actions down the same side. Moreover, being a player unafraid to receive the ball whilst possessing an intelligent understanding of movement and space, the 21-year-old emerges as a talent likely to shine under Ten Hag.

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Nevertheless, given his lack of fortune with injuries, United are likely to avoid expressing an interest in Lamptey. However, given Ten Hag’s history in improving players capable of fulfilling their potential, a move for the full-back could certainly be on the cards if the Red Devils are to bolster their options in the position this summer.

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