Manchester United Eye Summer Swoop For This Promising Brazilian: Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

If a report from Goal is believed to be true, Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Flamengo right-back Wesley ahead of a potential summer move. The Brazilian heavyweights won’t let him leave before June-July’s Club World Cup and have already rejected a bid of over £20m from Zenit St Petersburg.

The Red Devils had little movements in terms of winter incomings. Left fullback Patrick Dorgu has been the only addition, whereas they loaned out the outcast trio Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Marcus Rashford. Ruben Amorim labelled them as the ‘worst team in the history of Man United’, and the Portuguese boss is likely to undergo a squad revamp with several new signings.

The 21-year-old youngster from Brazil began his career with Atlético Tubarão in Série D. Flamengo roped him in for the U20s but was eventually promoted to their senior squad by the end of 2021. With more than 100 first-team appearances over the past two years, Wesley has been instrumental to their Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca and the most recent Supercopa do Brasil silverware.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JUNE 13: Wesley of Flamengo controls the ball during the match between Flamengo and Gremio as part of Brasileirao 2024 at Maracana Stadium on June 13, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Manchester United have Diogo Dalot and the summer recruit Noussair Mazraoui among the right-back options. Amad Diallo has also been deployed as a wingback, but the exciting young ace is more effective from an advanced role.

Why It Would Be A Smart Move By Man United

Despite showing his versatility on both the flanks, Dalot has mostly been mediocre in all these years. His commitment and efforts are unquestionable, but the lack of discipline, composure and consistency has cost them time and again in defence and attack. Mazraoui had his moments down the wide, but the Moroccan needs to work on his crossing and final deliveries while making marauding runs.

Manchester United have spent billions over the past decade but failed to redeem the lost glory of the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Their policy of pursuing big-money moves has often been questioned, and the new minority stakeholders INEOS are pushing for a strategic alteration by snapping up promising talents. However, the PSR restrictions forced them to stay quiet in January. The Red Devils are stuck in 13th after 24 Premier League encounters, and therefore, could miss a European spot unless they script a massive turnaround in the remaining fixtures.

The financial limitations must have forced them to bank on scouting and secure value-for-money signings like Dorgu and Wesley. The latter’s valuation could increase in the summer but would still be a win-win one considering his potential to reach the heights as well as availability for many years.