Do Man United really need a new right-back?

Manchester United await a crucial summer build with a focus mainly on midfield.

The Red Devils are expected to sign at least two midfielders but other positions cannot be overlooked.

If finances permit, United could also dip into the market for a winger and a left-back to add further balance.

However, one position that has quietly slipped under the radar is right-back.

United have two capable right-backs in their squad: Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui.

Diogo Dalot

Dalot is now one of the longest-serving players in the current squad, having arrived at Old Trafford in 2018.

He is one of the leaders of the group and has proved to be a reliable individual.

He has often sacrificed his natural right-back role to cover for injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Under former manager Ruben Amorim, he played primarily as a left wing-back.

Current head coach Michael Carrick has since restored him to his preferred right-back role and the improvement in his performances has been immediate.

The 27-year-old is underappreciated and often a soft target for fans and pundits.

He may not be world-class but he is always ready to fight for the badge and is willing to front up during difficult moments. That should count for something.

Noussair Mazraoui

Mazraoui left Bayern Munich for United last summer and enjoyed a stellar 2025-26 season.

Many also believed that he was arguably the signing of the season for the Red Devils.

Despite his poor injury record, Mazraoui was able to stay fit for the majority of the campaign. He showed that he is a technically-gifted front-footed defender.

However, he was often utilised out of position at right wing-back, limiting his ability to fully influence games.

This season, minor injuries and international commitments at AFCON have disrupted his rhythm, preventing him from building sustained momentum.

Investing in a right-back can wait

INEOS may eventually need to upgrade their options at right-back, as neither Dalot nor Mazraoui have consistently shown the ability to transform the position.

That said, both players remain dependable and capable of performing at a solid level.

There are more pressing concerns for the co-owners of the club.

Revamping midfield is the need of the hour, with Casemiro set to leave United.

An injury to Shaw could force United into crisis mode again, making the recruitment of a ready-made solution at left-back a key agenda.

Looking further ahead, the summer of 2027 could be the ideal window for United to fully reassess and invest in a new right-back.

Jaydan Kamason signed a new contract yesterday and could be an alternative if sent on a solid loan spell next campaign.

If no homegrown option proves ready, INEOS will ultimately be forced to turn to the transfer market in search of a proven and experienced right-back.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .