Kieran Trippier (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United retain an interest in signing Atletico Madrid full-back, Kieran Trippier. The former Tottenham Hotspur defender starred for the Spanish in their La Liga triumph and the Red Devils continue to have their eyes on him. He currently has two years left on his deal.
The report goes on to say that Madrid are cash-strapped and would be willing to listen to offers for him. Trippier was a regular feature in the Atletico side this season apart from the time when he had to serve a court-mandated ban for alleged betting. Despite Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s presence, Trippier is one man that United should pursue.
Manchester United lack serious depth in the right-back department. Aaron Wan-Bisska is their undisputed started in that position. But the young defender was made to play in 54 matches in all competitions this season. It was not until Wan-Bissaka was unavailable that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer really felt his absence, at least on paper.
In the 4 league games that Wan-Bissaka missed this season, Solskjaer played Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Brandon Williams, and Victor Lindelof in that position. None of them are right-backs by trade, with Lindelof primarily used as a centre-back and Williams being introduced to the team as a left-back.
Moreover, Fosu-Mensah is not even at United anymore. The Englishman sealed a move to Bayer Leverkusen midway through the season. Hence, this is an area United have to add depth it, especially considering the fact that they will be competing in four competitions again next season.
Apart from depth, Trippier will add much-needed competition for Wan-Bissaka. Luke Shaw had an impressive season after Alex Telles came to the squad and competed with him for a place. Trippier could have a similar effect on the 23-year-old Wan-Bissaka at right-back. The 30-year-old also managed 6 league assists in 28 games this past season.
He is no slouch when made to attack, as evident from the fact that he was used multiple times as a right-sided midfielder by Diego Simeone this campaign in a formation with three centre-backs. And maybe, he can even push Wan-Bissaka out of the first team – that’s what he did at Spurs with Kyle Walker, according to Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine revealed that Trippier was bought to challenge Walker but slowly took over the starting spot.
Trippier spent one season with Burnley before moving to Spurs. There, he had 4 successful seasons individually, making 114 appearances before leaving for Spain. Trippier has made his name playing in England before he even moved overseas. This is why United would be getting a right-back who knows this league.
Moreover, his age should not be a concern at all. He is 30 years old and still has a fair amount of years left in his tanker. Moreover, the report says that Atletico are cash-strapped and are willing to sell Trippier.
This means that United can try to get the Spaniards to agree to favourable terms for the transfer. That, of course, remains to be seen and only time will tell what happens with Trippier.
