Daniel Munoz – Manchester United: The right player at the wrong time

Right‑back Daniel Munoz has publicly expressed his dream of joining Manchester United, but this would be a move the “Red Devils” should avoid. The club’s transfer priorities lie elsewhere.

Manchester United have shown signs of strong revival with a 5‑match unbeaten run, rising to 5th place in the Premier League and just one point off the Champions League places. Confidence is gradually returning to Old Trafford, and the club’s leadership is already planning for the upcoming transfer windows. However, among the necessary targets there is one name that United should consider excluding, despite the player admitting that wearing the Manchester United shirt is a dream.

Munoz là một trung vệ hàng đầu Ngoại Hạng Anh hiện tại.

Munoz is a top center back in the Premier League at the moment.

That player is Daniel Munoz, the right‑back who has been performing excellently for Crystal Palace. Since his move to the Premier League in January 2024, the Colombian has established himself as one of the top wing‑backs. His impressive form — highlighted by the “Man of the Match” award in Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup final — has attracted the attention of many major clubs.

On paper, Munoz is an attractive fit for Manchester United. He is playing under manager Oliver Glasner in a system that has many similarities to the philosophy that manager Ruben Amorim is applying at Old Trafford. This tactical familiarity would help him integrate smoothly. Furthermore, in a recent interview Munoz named Manchester United as “one of the four dream clubs” he would like to join.

This admission further fuels the possibility of the move in the eyes of fans. However, a contract for Munoz right now would be an ill‑advised move in the wider context of United’s squad. The club’s highest priority for next summer must be strengthening the midfield. That is a position many fans believe should have been addressed in the previous transfer window. The lack of a top‑class central midfielder has repeatedly hindered United’s ability to control games. Investing in that area is a far more urgent requirement than adding a wing‑back.

Munoz phù hợp với Man Utd, nhưng không phải trong tháng Một.

Munoz is fit for Man Utd, but not in January.

Moreover, United may need to consider recruiting a new striker in January if Benjamin Sesko’s injury becomes serious. This means the transfer budget must be allocated wisely towards positions of real need.

More importantly, the right‑back position is currently not a weakness for the “Red Devils”. Since Ruben Amorim took over, Amad Diallo — originally a winger — has been deployed as a wing‑back and is performing very well. He forms a promising partnership with Bryan Mbeumo on the right flank, orchestrating intelligent off‑ball movement and regularly troubling opposition defences. That pair are developing a strong link.

Even on the opposite flank, where Diogo Dalot has struggled, United already have internal solutions. The imminent return of Lisandro Martínez from injury will push Luke Shaw back into his familiar left wing‑back role. At the same time, young talent Harry Amass is leaving a strong impression during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday. With these internal options in place, spending a large sum on a new wing‑back is unnecessary.

Daniel Munoz is a talented player, but Manchester United must act based on strategy rather than emotion. Signing him might please a segment of fans, but it would go against the club’s urgent priorities. The finances and focus must be reserved for the midfield — the area that will determine the club’s stability and long‑term success under the new regime.