Erik ten Hag's project is well underway at Manchester United but there are still players that could be added to create a winning squad.
One position that has some question marks over it is at right-back. Diogo Dalot has come on leaps and bounds under Ten Hag but he can not hold down the position by himself and there are still question marks over whether Aaron Wan-Bissaka has a future at Old Trafford.
Malo Gusto had been heavily linked with a move to United and is considered one of Europe's biggest talents in his position, but Chelsea have stepped to the front of the queue in recent weeks as they look to bring in a rotation option to compete with Reece James.
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Gusto made his debut in 2021 and is already well-established at club level with a national debut likely on the way. Also at 19, he would be a long-term option for any potential buyer.
United are financially constricted so can not move for Gusto in this window and this gave Chelsea a serious advantage, with owner Todd Boehly keeping the chequebook wide open for the London club to sign whichever players they need.
Though Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas may have swooped in at the last second to save United's ambitions. In an interview with L'Equipe, he stated that: “I can confirm that Malo Gusto will stay here at least until the end of the season.”
Fans were quick to point out that Aulas' statements around Lyon players who are being targetted for transfers have been less than accurate in the past. He made similar claims about Bruno Guimaraes who moved to Newcastle United the week after and also about players such as Karim Benzema and Nabil Fekir, the latter of which only stayed at the club because he reportedly failed his medical with Liverpool.
However in this scenario, with European clubs circling for Gusto and Chelsea looking to avoid entering into a bidding war, it may be in Lyon's best interest to keep Gusto until the summer to earn the biggest payday.
Overall, there is no guarantee that if United bid for Gusto in the summer he moves to Old Trafford, but a delay at least gives them a foot in the door to negotiate. And if Ten Hag can convince the Frenchman of his project, then the club could be in business.
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