The claimManchester United are preparing to listen to offers for Diogo Dalot as part of a major defensive overhaul in 2027, according to former Red Devils chief scout Mick Brown. The 27-year-old has been one of Michael Carrick's most trusted starters this season — but United are said to be bracing for big changes at the back.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown revealed that United have not ruled out selling the Portugal international next year, even though he is not one of the names being pushed out the door.
"Dalot is a bit like marmite. Some people love him and some think he's not good enough," Brown said. "The truth of that is probably somewhere in the middle, because he's a decent option and he's done a good job, but you wouldn't say he's a real top-class right-back."
The story gained fresh traction on 7 October, when The Hard Tackle reported that United are "increasingly open" to letting Dalot leave next year as preparations for the major defensive overhaul continue. The report added that Dalot, who joined United from Porto for £19 million in 2018 and has since made 252 appearances, remains in the final two years of his deal — giving the club a clear decision to make on his future.
"He's been reliable under Michael Carrick, that's why he picks him every week, even if he can be a bit inconsistent at times. But there are going to be big changes to the Man United defence, when you look across the back line there are probably four or five players who they feel they could upgrade on."
"I think at the moment they will be reluctant to lose Dalot, he's not one they're going to be pushing out, but at the same time they haven't ruled out letting him go. If the right offer comes in, I'm sure they will be ready to listen to it, and if they are making major changes then I expect they'll be bracing to receive those offers."
A trusted lieutenant under Carrick
The claim is striking because Dalot's standing at Old Trafford has rarely been higher. The former Porto defender has represented United on 252 occasions since arriving in 2018, scoring 10 goals and registering 20 assists, and he has started all but one Premier League game this season.
Restored to his natural right-back role after spells on both flanks under Ruben Amorim, Dalot has become one of Carrick's most reliable figures. The Athletic previously reported that the club had no intention of parting with him, valuing his professionalism and dressing-room leadership — and the Manchester Evening News noted that Carrick himself had told the club Dalot "must remain" at Old Trafford.
Why the door may be opening
The shift in thinking is about timing and money. Dalot's contract runs until the summer of 2028, meaning United face a decision: extend, sell while his value is high, or risk watching his price fall as the deal runs down.
Brown is not the only voice questioning Dalot's ceiling. Wayne Rooney recently argued the 27-year-old "lacks the quality" required for a club of United's ambitions, and The Sun reported last month that United could see up to five defensive departures ahead of the 2027-28 season — with Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire potentially released and Lisandro Martínez's contract situation unresolved. The same report suggested one of Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui is likely to be made available.
There is also no shortage of suitors. Real Madrid were linked with the Portuguese defender earlier this year, and Bayern Munich and Spanish clubs have shown interest in the past.
What happens next
For now, this remains a claim from a well-connected former scout rather than club policy — United are said to be "reluctant" to lose Dalot and would only entertain the right offer. But with a defensive rebuild on the horizon and four or five positions earmarked for upgrades, few players at Old Trafford can feel untouchable.
Dalot's response on the pitch may decide his fate. If he maintains his improved form under Carrick, he could yet remove the need for a major transfer altogether. If not, 2027 could be the summer United finally cash in.
Diogo Dalot has gone from squad utility man to Michael Carrick's trusted right-back — and yet Manchester United may still be ready to sell him. The 27-year-old's contract, the planned defensive overhaul and interest from Europe's giants all point to a defining summer ahead. Brown's verdict? Not untouchable.
Would you sell Dalot, or is he the one defender United cannot afford to lose? Have your say in the comments.
Read more: Man United transfer news — Benjamin Sesko eyed by Barcelona and Juventus.
