MY ACCOUNT
Having looked set for the Manchester United exit door under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Diogo Dalot has quickly emerged as a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s Old Trafford revolution.
The Portuguese international, 23, has impressed so much this term that Barcelona are reportedly plotting a move — with United now desperately trying to tie down their No20.
Ahead of the Red Devils’ Europa League trip to Real Sociedad this evening, we take a closer look at Dalot’s rise and what his future may hold.
Tough start
Arriving from Porto in the summer of 2018 for a £19million fee, former United boss Jose Mourinho was not shy in telling the world what he thought of his new capture.
The legendary tactician said of his new addition: “In his age group, he is the best full-back in Europe and we all believe he has a bright future ahead of him at Manchester United.”
But less than six months later Mourinho was axed by the Old Trafford hierarchy — and Dalot would endure a rocky time of things during his replacement’s tenure.
The youngster was constantly in and out of the side under cult hero Solskjaer, spending a season on loan with Italian giants AC Milan in 2020-21 in search of more game time.
Dalot was still awaiting a first league start of 2021-22 when the Norwegian boss lost his job in late November, with reports suggesting the club were willing to let him leave in January.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick had other ideas though — and the Braga native has not looked back since.
Turnaround
Dalot started 19 of United’s final 25 Premier League matches last term and his fine performances in that spell have prompted Ten Hag to keep involving him.
He has played every minute for the Red Devils in the Premier League this campaign, proving himself to be one of the division’s most reliable operators in his position.
What is perhaps most impressive about Dalot is his broad skill set.
Compared with other Premier League right-backs to play six or more games in 2022-23, he ranks third for aerial duels won, third for possessions won in the defensive third and fourth for interceptions per 90 minutes.
His offensive stats are equally impressive. Dalot sits third in terms of chances created, fourth for long passes completed and sixth for take-ons completed.
While he lacks the glamour of a Trent Alexander-Arnold or a Joao Cancelo, there can be no doubting his efficiency for the Red Devils.
No rest
Former Ajax boss Ten Hag clearly has plenty of faith in his full-back — but has publicly challenged Dalot not to slow down in his pursuit of progression.
The United manager said: “I hope Diogo keeps progressing, so not only sticking to this level.
“Our approach, our philosophy, is that good is not good enough. We have to do better. But we’re happy with the development and the performances of Diogo, that’s quite clear.”
Having been an ever-present so far this term, the Dutchman also suggested that plenty of other squad members are ready to step into Dalot’s shoes should he take his foot off the gas.
He added: “I know that every club among the top elite clubs needs competition and I think we can replace him, with Victor Lindelof, with Tyrell Malacia and luckily also Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back in the squad.
“Physically, he’s got a really good profile and I’m sure he will keep going and he will keep developing.
“That is what we demand, and I am confident he will do that.”
Crucial month ahead
With the World Cup now less than three weeks away, Dalot will be desperate to feature in Portugal’s star-studded squad in Qatar.
The signs are positive, with only his sixth cap for the Selecao in September seeing him score twice and pick up man of the match in a 4-0 win away to the Czech Republic.
While he is competing with the likes of Manchester City star Cancelo and Paris Saint-German regular Nuno Mendes for a starting full-back berth, his fine form for United should make him a certainty to travel.
Barcelona are said to be pondering a January move and a strong World Cup would greatly exhibit his talents, though the Red Devils have no need to panic.
An option to trigger a one-year extension to his contract is likely to be activated imminently — though the player himself is refusing to fully rule out an Old Trafford exit.
In a recent interview, Dalot said: “Personally, I’m not one to make long-term plans. I live season by season, month by month and just want to help the team as much I can.”
A big performance against Barca’s LaLiga rivals Sociedad tonight would do Dalot no harm in further enhancing his burgeoning reputation.
