Manchester United transfer news: The Red Devils have spent much of the 2026/27 campaign searching for defensive stability, with Michael Carrick struggling to find consistent performances from his backline. Nine Premier League matches have brought just seven points, leaving the Red Devils 17th and dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Their problems extend beyond individual mistakes. United have conceded 15 league goals, while injuries have repeatedly forced Carrick to change his defensive combinations. Diogo Dalot has consequently played an important role, starting all nine league matches and recording 649 minutes.

The Portuguese defender offers useful versatility, regularly overlapping on the right and occasionally covering the opposite flank. However, his attacking contribution remains limited this season, with no goals or assists in the Premier League. His performances have attracted criticism, particularly when United struggle to protect their defensive areas during transitions.

Dalot’s best period arguably came under Erik ten Hag, when United regularly asked their full-backs to provide attacking width and support forward runs. Carrick’s current demands place greater emphasis on defensive positioning and protecting the midfield, exposing the importance of consistency from both full-back positions.

That shift has raised questions about Dalot’s long-term position at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old has already made more than 250 appearances for United, but Noussair Mazraoui provides another option across both full-back positions, giving the coaching staff greater flexibility when injuries disrupt selection.

Against that background, interest from Italy has started to gather momentum. Sport Witness, citing Calciomercato, reports that Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Roma have all made enquiries through Dalot’s representatives. Roma previously attempted to sign the Portugal international during Jose Mourinho’s tenure, although United rejected their proposed loan arrangement.

The contract situation adds another factor. Dalot’s agreement reportedly runs until June 2028, with no significant progress on an extension reported so far. His estimated £95,000 weekly salary also represents a sizeable commitment, although United would need to consider his replacement’s wages before treating a sale as an immediate saving.

Should Manchester United sell Dalot in summer 2027?

United should consider offers, but selling Dalot simply because Italian clubs have expressed interest would be poor planning. His experience, availability and ability to cover different defensive positions are still valuable, particularly during a season when injuries have repeatedly disrupted Carrick’s selection.

However, the recruitment department must establish whether Dalot can deliver the defensive consistency Carrick expects from his full-backs. Patrick Dorgu offers an internal alternative, while Mazraoui can cover multiple positions, although neither automatically replaces Dalot’s experience on the right.

A renewal would make sense only if United believe his performances can improve within Carrick’s structure. Otherwise, summer 2027 offers a reasonable opportunity to secure a transfer fee before his contract enters its final year. United need a right-back who can maintain defensive discipline while supporting their attacking structure, and the Italian enquiries give the club a starting point for negotiations rather than a reason to rush into a sale.