Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be tempted to pull the trigger on a move for Tyler Dibling after watching the Premier League giants underwhelm in 3-1 win against Southampton.
The British billionaire, 72, did the freezing situations to see Ruben Amorim’s struggles from the directors’ box on Thursday night.
But it would have been deeply dissatisfied with a disastrous performance of the men of Amorim, who did nothing but turn the stage thanks to the hero of the Hat-trick Amad diallo.
Saints Starlet Dibling’s performance may have been intended for Ratcliffe to spark United’s reported interest after generating a spectacle well beyond his years.
The 18-year-old grabbed himself an assist after sending in a teasing corner, which was turned into his own net by Red Devils midfielder Manuel Ugarte just before the interval. But it was Dibling’s all-round contribution that was one to note as he glided around the pitch in a style similar to Jack Grealish, wreaking havoc for the hosts’ backline.
United are well aware of the highly-rated attacking midfielder’s talents following his breakthrough campaign on the South Coast, proving to be a shining light in a bleak season for Southampton.
Reports in December claimed that United had sent scouts to take a look at Dibling, while Aston Villa and a host of clubs from Germany and Italy had shown interest.
His performance in Old Trafford only stressed the urgency of United to act after improving thanks to visitors and having made white in front of the goal.
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A £21m payout had been proposed for Dibling, who made 24 appearances this season and scored four goals. It remains to be seen whether United could allow such a payment with its particularly stringent demands.
However, when United’s interest emerged for the first time in December, Russell Martin laughed at the reports that United would be a success if they presented an offer for that amount.
The now-intentional coach, replaced via Ivan Juric at the end of December, also joked that such an amount would be enough to even get DiLing’s left leg.
“I have told me rumors about the UTD man, one was an offer of £ 21 million. I’m not sure to get his left foot for that,” Martin said.
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But there is hope ahead for United, as Dibling has stalled over signing a new contract at St Mary’s. That deal has gone unsigned while Southampton face being relegated from the top flight, barring a miraculous recovery in the second half of the season.
“We presented him with a contract, a very intelligent contract for his age,” Martín added. “At the minute, I don’t think his agent would agree, that’s where we are.
“I think Tyler needs it done, I think Tyler’s parents need it done, so we’ll see how long it takes.
“There is an option. We can extend it. I don’t think we intended to do this; we should praise Tyler for his performance. “
And perhaps Dibling’s reward will come in the form of a move to Man United in the near future after undeservedly ending up on the losing side.
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