Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot was on the receiving end of intense backlash at Old Trafford following his abysmal defensive display against Aston Villa.
United came back from two goals down to make it 2-2 after the break, but Dalot’s reckless challenge in the box early in the second half killed all the momentum for the hosts, handing Villa an opportunity to restore their lead from the penalty spot.
To be fair to Dalot, the Portuguese defender was playing as a left-back despite being a natural right-back. However, his tendency to switch off at crucial moments has always been a major concern, irrespective of his position.
Manchester United “hold transfer talks” for El Hilali
According to FootballTransfers, Manchester United are exploring a move for Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali ahead of the January transfer window.
It is claimed that representatives of the 23-year-old were at the club’s Carrington training ground this week.
United have reportedly turned their attention to El Hilali in search of a more reliable option at the back.
The Morocco international, who was born in Spain, is a solid defensive player.
He is regarded as “a physically strong defender who has an athletic approach to the game and excels in one-on-one situations.”
El Hilali’s notable quality is his ability to get under the skin of opponents, highlighting his intense style of play, something that Dalot lacks.
The Moroccan is primarily a right-back, but he is capable of operating across the back four.
Omar El Hilali could be a January bargain
El Hilali has entered the final year of his contract at Espanyol, with his current deal set to expire in June 2027.
As such, United would be able to get their hands on him in January in a cut-price deal.
| Season | Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Avg rating | Shots | Shots on target | Passes | Tackles | Interceptions | Blocks | Duels | Duels won | Fouls won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 | La Liga | 11 | 983 | 0 | 1 | 6.99 | 0 | 0 | 336 | 23 | 12 | 4 | 89 | 49 | 7 |
| 2026/27 | Copa del Rey | 1 | 120 | 0 | 0 | 5.90 | – | 0 | 46 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| 2026/27 | All competitions | 12 | 1103 | 0 | 1 | 6.87 | 0 | 0 | 382 | 23 | 13 | 4 | 100 | 55 | 8 |
“His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sits at €14.8 million, which is a price that makes him an attractive proposition,” the report adds.
Finding an agreement over personal terms should not be complicated either, as he shares the same agency as United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Accordingly, it is suggested that El Hilali is one to watch ahead of the January transfer window as United look for options to strengthen their defence.
Featured image by Alex Caparros via Getty Images
