Manchester United have been linked with a move for Benjamin Pavard this week as Harry Maguire looks set to depart for West Ham. The France international would be a solid signing, offering plenty of experience and a World Cup winner’s medal for starters. And the Bayern Munich man could also prove vital should Erik ten Hag decide he needs to solve a United sticking point: right back. While Pavard is an accomplished centre-half and would plug a gap left by Maguire, he is also comfortable on the right. Currently United have Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka duking it out to start the Premier League opener. Dalot began last term as first choice but after suffering an injury against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup, Wan-Bissaka came in and moved from the periphery to the forefront as he seemingly cemented himself as a first team regular. But the England international has not enjoyed the best of pre-seasons with some sub-par showings. Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here ALSO READ: Three key United questions ahead of Premier League opener And as the season dawns, United fans are no nearer to knowing who will win the right back battle. Dalot started in the stronger XI which faced Lens last weekend but it is clear Ten Hag is not convinced he is the answer. When looking at the pair’s particular strengths and weaknesses you can see why Ten Hag is struggling to differentiate between the two. According to Sofascore, Dalot has the upper hand when it comes to interceptions per game at 1.4 compared to Wan-Bissaka’s 1.2. He is also a more accurate crosser of the ball at 32 per cent compared to Wan-Bissaka’s 21 per cent. The Portugal international also played his part in more clean sheets in the Premier League (nine to Wan-Bissaka’s seven). The transfer window is in full swing and United have got their hands on three players well in advance of the September 1 deadline, with Rasmus Hojlund joining Mason Mount and Andre Onana at Old Trafford. A goalkeeper, a midfielder and a striker were Erik ten Hag’s priorities heading into the summer window, but that doesn’t mean their business ends here, with a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat also on the cards, as well as plenty of possible departures, including Harry Maguire to West Ham. Our team of United experts will be on top of all the goings-on at United for the remainder of the summer window and beyond, and you can get the latest updates and inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community below. SIGN UP HERE — We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. But there is no denying Wan-Bissaka has the edge when it comes to one-on-one scenarios. Remarkably, the full-back was dribbled past per game just 0.1 times compared to Dalot’s 0.5. The Englishman is also a more accurate passer completing 84 per cent of his during a game compared to Dalot’s 80 per cent. What soon becomes clear when looking at the statistics and witnessing the pair play is how little there is to choose between them. Either you choose Dalot who, on paper, is better going forward or Wan-Bissaka, who is defensively more sound. Perhaps the choice is to look elsewhere. Should United pursue a deal for Pavard, they would not only get a player who is equipped at centre-back to replace Maguire, but he will also add a right-back who can perform defensively and offensively. If the Reds are to challenge this season, then signing Pavard could help them do just that. Follow the MEN’s United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcastStory SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
