Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to return Manchester United to the head of the table, and his Sporting Director Dan Ashworth has targeted a Premier League prodigy to complement their collective vision.
A little over seven months into this Ineos journey, Erik ten Hag’s first team has undergone a dramatic facelift, with several high-profile departures alongside the arrival of carefully planned acquisitions.
But, youth has also been managed, with the purchase of Sekou Kone and James Overy and the impending deal for Chido Obi-Martin signifying a clear vision for the team.
The Theatre of Red can confirm through chief editor Shaun Connolly that Tyler Dibling has been tracked by Ashworth for a significant period, with hopes of luring the starlet to the North West in the coming months.
Despite Southampton’s struggles on their return to the top flight, the 18-year-old has been an undeniable bright spark – impressing in his appearances for the Saints and England’s under-19 side.
Furthermore, his 63-minute showing against Ten Hag’s side at St Mary’s offered undeniable evidence of his ability, with his mazey dribbling earning his side’s penalty against Diogo Dalot.
A Long-Term Target
Per GiveMeSport, Russell Martin’s side aims to tie down his long-term future with a lucrative deal amid continued interest from Newcastle.
Sources claim “United could be interested in attempting to turn Dibling’s head” despite Ashworth enduring rejection during his time in the North East.
The Old Trafford outfit is attempting to manufacture a catalogue of sensational talents to complement the impressive options in the Manchester academy.
Dibling is seen as a ‘generational’ footballer who can grow into a league-leading attacker.
He was introduced sporadically throughout various Championship appearances in 2023-24, with a well-deserved starting birth against Watford in the FA Cup.
Although experiencing limited time in the Premier League, he has returned improvements game-on-game, providing two assists against Cardiff in a 5-3 League Cup victory before earning his first start against Ten Hag’s side.
One of the defining traits of a promising teenager is the ability to seamlessly transition to the senior game and not look overawed by the prospect.
Undeniably, this Southampton prodigy has ticked the boxes for Martin and would prove a welcome addition for the Reds.
One potential stumbling block is the lack of immediate first-team opportunities, with Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford cultivating an assured understanding.
The Saints are keen to offer improved playing time and wages, with the possibility of regular Premier League outings a difficult incentive to ignore.
The Theatre of Red can confirm that the 20-time English Champions may pursue a deal as early as January.
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