Overview
- Multiple reports on November 7 say Manchester United have sped up plans to sign a right-back in January after a poor start to the season exposed defensive weaknesses.
- Scouts have singled out Roma full-back Wesley as an admired target but his long-term Roma contract and the club's public refusal to sanction midseason sales make an immediate transfer unlikely.
- Diogo Dalot has drawn criticism for inconsistent performances this season, remains a regular under Michael Carrick, and is under contract until 2028 while other clubs monitor him ahead of a potential 2027 exit.
- Lisandro Martínez is reported to favour a move to Atlético Madrid as his deal nears expiry, a development that would heighten the need for centre-back reinforcements.
- United's choice not to bolster defence in the summer left limited depth, so January is now viewed as the first practical opportunity to add cover with more substantive rebuilding likely to occur in the summer window.