Daniel Muñoz has openly stated that joining Manchester United would be a dream come true for him, but despite his enthusiasm, a transfer to Old Trafford is not one the club should consider right now.
United’s needs lie in areas far more urgent than right-back, and focusing on Muñoz at this stage would distract from the club’s essential rebuilding priorities.
Manchester United are currently showing strong signs of recovery, putting together a five-game unbeaten streak that has pushed them to 5th in the Premier League table, just a single point shy of the Champions League spots.
Momentum is slowly returning, the mood around Old Trafford is improving, and preparations for upcoming transfer windows are already underway.
However, even with the buzz surrounding potential signings, there is one target the club should be cautious of, despite the player’s public desire to join.
Daniel Muñoz has been one of the Premier League’s standout full-backs since joining Crystal Palace in January 2024.
His performances have earned him widespread praise, including a Man of the Match award in Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup final victory.
The Colombian defender has quickly become one of the league’s most admired wing-backs, drawing interest from several major clubs, including Manchester United.
At first glance, Muñoz seems like a natural fit for Ruben Amorim’s system. Playing under Oliver Glasner at Palace, he already operates in a structure similar to what Amorim is implementing at Old Trafford, which could make adaptation smoother.
His recent statement listing United as “one of his four dream clubs” has only increased speculation and excitement among supporters.
But despite how appealing the move may sound, signing Muñoz at this moment would not be the right decision for the club.
United’s main focus for the upcoming summer window must be strengthening the midfield — a long-standing weakness that many believed should have been addressed months ago.
The team has repeatedly struggled to control matches due to the absence of a high-quality central midfielder, making that position a far more urgent priority than another wing-back.
In addition, if Benjamin Sesko’s injury proves to be serious, United may be forced to recruit a striker in January. That means the transfer budget must be allocated strategically, targeting positions that genuinely require reinforcement.
Crucially, right-back is not currently a problematic area for United. Under Ruben Amorim, Amad Diallo — originally a winger — has been converted into a right wing-back, and he has flourished in the new role.
His combination with Bryan Mbeumo on the right flank has been one of the team’s most effective partnerships, creating movement, energy, and constant attacking threat. Their understanding is improving with every match.
Even on the left, where Diogo Dalot has struggled at times, Manchester United already have internal solutions. Lisandro Martínez’s imminent return will allow Luke Shaw to shift back to his natural wing-back position, and young prospect Harry Amass is performing impressively on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
With these options already available, spending heavily on Muñoz would be unnecessary and financially unwise.
Daniel Muñoz is undoubtedly a quality defender, but Manchester United must prioritize with clear long-term vision. Signing him now might satisfy some fans, but it would conflict with the club’s immediate needs.
For United to build a stable, competitive team under the new management, investment must be directed toward the midfield and other essential positions not a role that is already well covered.
