Manchester United were forced to play Amad Diallo as a right wingback against Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday due to Diogo Dalot’s suspension.
The Portuguese had seen two yellow cards in the Red Devils’ famous FA Cup third-round win against Arsenal and with the ex-Porto star not there, Noussair Mazraoui shifted to the left against the Saints.
With Luke Shaw out injured and Tyrell Malacia struggling for form, Ruben Amorim has had no choice but to play his right-backs in that position even though he has admitted that his compatriot is more suited to the right-hand side, as is the Moroccan.
The head coach would prefer January reinforcements but despite links with several wingbacks all across Europe, no help has been forthcoming so far.
LWB needed
One of the targets was Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint-Germain with Amorim keen to reunite with his former Sporting Lisbon protege with the defender’s current deal in Paris ending in 2026.
With contract talks stalling, it provided the Red Devils with the chance to secure a cut-price deal but as recently relayed by The Peoples Person, there has been a breakthrough in talks and now, the Portugal international is expected to stay at the Parc des Princes.
But that has not stopped British media from keeping on speculating with Football Insider providing a contradictory update involving both Manchester clubs.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Pep Guardiola also wants the 21-year-old but the 20-time English league champions remain favourite for his signature.
While a January move is off the cards, a summer approach will suit United as hopefully by then, INEOS will have taken care of the PSR worries and the club will have a transfer war chest to play with.
“Man United are leading Man City in the race to sign PSG left-back Nuno Mendes, sources have told Football Insider. Man City have been looking at potential new recruits across multiple key positions in their side as they eye an overhaul of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
City vs United for Mendes
“Left-back has been an area of concern for the boss for a number of years and Mendes has been a long-term target thanks to his performances for PSG and Portugal.
“However, United are currently the favourites to reach an agreement with the left-back and there is confidence that the deal will get done.
“Both clubs will be made to wait until the summer to get any deal over the line, though, as PSG are reluctant to see a key player leave in the middle of the season. Delaying the deal until the summer is also expected to suit United’s recruitment plans.”
If Mendes does end up leaving the French capital, then United should make every effort to reunite the ex-Sporting pair as the defender knows what is takes to thrive in the wingback role. Only time will tell which source has got the story right.
Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
