Romano claims Man Utd wanted to sign Man City star in the summer transfer window | OneFootball

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano insists that Man Utd were interested in signing Manuel Akanji before he signed for rivals Man City in the summer.

The Red Devils spent heavily in the summer transfer window to bring in six players with Erik ten Hag signing Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Martin Dubravka.

Martinez became their main purchase in the centre of defence and he has already proved himself as a valuable addition to Ten Hag’s starting XI with Man Utd captain Harry Maguire dropping to the bench.

Another option that Man Utd were considering was Akanji, who became City’s fifth summer signing on transfer deadline day, with the former Borussia Dortmund defender a recommendation from Ralf Rangnick.

Romano told Caught Offside: “This summer, Manuel Akanji was also an option for Man United’s defence.

“However, it didn’t happen because he was mainly admired by Ralf Rangnick, who then left his position at Old Trafford. City then moved for him late on in the window.”

Diogo Dalot is one player already at Old Trafford who has benefitted from Ten Hag’s presence with the Portugal international starting every game in all competitions this term for Man Utd.

The 23-year-old rarely had a look in under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before former interim boss Rangnick started using him more towards the end of his tenure.

Dalot now has fewer than 12 months remaining on his deal at Old Trafford and there’s hope among the Man Utd fanbase that they will renew his deal soon.

And Romano has provided an update, he added: “Last summer, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid were really pushing to sign Diogo Dalot, and also AC Milan, where he was on loan, wanted him on loan again with a buy option. United said no, and also Dalot also wanted to stay and fight for his place.

“Now, Erik ten Hag has made him a key player, and he’s arguably one of the best right-backs in Europe. Of course, he’ll be out of contract next summer, but United have the option to extend that deal until 2024. This is also the case with others such as Marcus Rashford.

“Potentially, United can activate the option for another year, but only if they cannot reach an agreement to extend his contract even further. At the moment, there is no full agreement, but United will have the chance to talk with the player.”