Manchester United have spent £140m on right-wingers in two seasons and yet the two players that are set to play in that role for the remainder of the season are academy products. United have made a catalogue of transfer mistakes over the last decade.
United have been wasteful spenders. The club has spent £1billion in the transfer market since 2013 but there are only three trophies (FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League) to show for it. That's hardly a return on investment. United's calamitous transfer mistakes are the reason why the club has hopelessly meandered. The decision-makers have consistently got the decisions wrong.
The summer of 2019 encapsulated United's problems. Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were signed for a total of £120m and both players face uncertain futures at the club just under three years later. Maguire has endured a difficult season - his credentials to captain the club have been questioned - but his place in the starting line up hasn't been as vulnerable as Wan-Bissaka's.
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Wan-Bissaka was undroppable under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The right-back received unwavering support and his place in the starting XI each week was guaranteed, despite Solskjaer having doubts over his attacking qualities towards the end of his ill-fated tenure. That's why Solskjaer wanted to sign Kieran Trippier in the summer - he privately realised Wan-Bissaka wasn't good enough.
It was well overdue but Wan-Bissaka was likely to have been disappointed at Solskjaer's sacking. The departure of any manager brings uncertainty and Ralf Rangnick arrived with no preconceived judgements, which meant each player had to fight for their place.
Wan-Bissaka's place as a guaranteed starter was made redundant by Rangnick's appointment. Diogo Dalot started in the interim boss' first game in charge against Crystal Palace and seemed to move ahead of his teammate in the pecking order. Wan-Bissaka returned to the starting XI weeks later for United's matches against Burnley and Wolves before being sidelined for another six league games.
After Dalot enjoyed a string of games back in the starting XI, there was logic behind Rangnick starting Wan-Bissaka against Leeds at Elland Road. His defensive qualities and physicality were needed. Dalot was on the bench again away at Atletico Madrid and that did come as a surprise. Sources close to the player indicated Dalot expected to start the game. Victor Lindelof played instead.
Rangnick recently outlined what he expects from his full-backs and Luke Shaw is perhaps the only player at the club that fits the mould. Rangnick's dithering between Wan-Bissaka and Dalot shows he doesn't completely trust either right-back.
Wan-Bissaka and Dalot were signed for a combined £70m and yet it's likely Rangnick will recommend the club signs a new right-back, although his team selection has already sent that message. His indecisiveness on both players speaks louder than words.
Wan-Bissaka is poor going forward but supposedly strong defensively. Dalot isn't as assured in defensive scenarios as Wan-Bissaka but his attacking qualities are deemed to be superior - his deliveries still leave a lot to be desired. It's become increasingly clear this season that both right-backs at the club are flawed. They are below the level needed to challenge for the Premier League title.
Manchester City have Kyle Walker, Liverpool have Trent Alexander-Arnold and Chelsea have Reece James. Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel claim Rangnick influenced their careers but it's the United interim boss that is currently looking from afar in envy.
Wan-Bissaka has played 500 more minutes than Dalot this season but he doesn't feel like first-choice right-back.
Dalot doesn't either and that's a damning indictment of the club's recruitment policy.
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