Defender Man United bought for just £19m now valued at more than Man City’s Ruben Dias

The meteoric rise in the valuation of a defender acquired by Manchester United in 2018 for a relatively modest fee has caught the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide. This player, whose acquisition cost only £19 million, has now surged in value, surpassing even the esteemed Ruben Dias of Manchester City.

Despite the challenges and criticisms faced by Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, this season, one aspect that has garnered praise is his unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent. Throughout the campaign, Ten Hag has consistently provided opportunities to budding stars, demonstrating a willingness to trust in the club’s youth development system.

Among the beneficiaries of Ten Hag’s faith in youth are Willy Kambwala, Kobbie Mainoo, Omari Forson, and Ethan Wheatley, all of whom have been given chances to showcase their talents on the grand stage. This emphasis on youth development resonates deeply with fans worldwide, underscoring Ten Hag’s commitment to building for the future.

In the case of Kobbie Mainoo, in particular, Ten Hag’s tutelage has not only propelled the 19-year-old into the spotlight but has also earned him recognition from his national team, with England manager Gareth Southgate commending Mainoo’s impressive season. While some may argue that more support from the midfield could enhance Mainoo’s progress further, Ten Hag’s continued presence next season could potentially facilitate such developments.

Furthermore, Ten Hag’s impact extends beyond nurturing young talent, as evidenced by the resurgence of Diogo Dalot. Since joining Manchester United in 2018, Dalot’s journey has been marked by fluctuating performances and unfulfilled potential. However, this season has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with the Portuguese full-back assuming a leadership role in defense and delivering consistent performances.

Dalot’s versatility and reliability have been crucial assets for Manchester United throughout the campaign, as he has featured prominently in the majority of matches. Such performances have not gone unnoticed, with a recent report by the Football Observatory estimating Dalot’s value at an impressive €72.4 million, surpassing the valuations of renowned defenders like Ruben Dias and Micky van de Ven.

In addition to Dalot’s resurgence, Manchester United boasts a formidable lineup of players whose transfer valuations reflect their immense potential. Rasmus Hojlund leads the pack with a valuation of £105 million, followed closely by Alejandro Garnacho at £96 million, and Marcus Rashford at £72 million, despite ongoing transfer speculations surrounding Rashford’s future.

As Manchester United prepares for the upcoming season, whoever assumes the managerial reins will inherit a squad brimming with talent and potential. With the possibility of further reinforcements, such as Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, Manchester United could emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the near future.

In light of these developments, Manchester United’s managerial shortlist has been put on notice, signaling the club’s intent to build upon its current foundation of talent and ambition.