While opinion of his overall worth differs across the fanbase, the 2023-24 campaign saw notable progression for Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot.
The Portugal international was available throughout – missing only two fixtures through injury, playing an impressive total of 4,364 minutes across four competitions.
The 25-year-old has solidified himself as Erik ten Hag‘s primary option on the right side of defence, seeing off stiff competition from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has left the club to join West Ham.
A Difficult start
Dalot moved to Manchester in 2018 – signed with unwavering praise from FC Porto by compatriot Jose Mourinho.
The then 19-year-old struggled to adapt to the Premier League, enduring a tough adjustment early on.
Despite frustration amongst the fanbase, the Braga native displayed signs of being a solid option as time passed – especially in an attacking sense.
Loan to Milan
A dip in form saw the Portuguese limited to playing time during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, and he joined AC Milan on loan for the 2020-21 season.
During his time in Italy, the former Porto man started to make some incremental changes to his game.
He underwent a notable physical transformation on the continent – adding significant muscle to his slender frame.
It allowed for a more robust standing – one better suited to the rigours of the English game.
The 6ft star also played more regularly in Serie A and returned a confident player – despite struggling to nail down a regular starting berth under Solskjaer.
Momentum under Ten Hag
During the early days of the Dutch man’s tenure, Dalot began to show a clear progression towards being an undisputed starter.
He built an impressive understanding with his fellow defenders and put in some stellar displays as his club went on an improved run of form before the 2022 World Cup.
The Portuguese has proven a versatile asset, one his manager certainly seemed to appreciate.
Deservedly, a new contract followed at the end of the 2022-23 season, solidifying his future with the Red Devils.
Best season to date
Dalot has just come off the back of his fifth campaign in M16 and it is easy to see why many claim it to be his best one yet.
Voted as the club’s Players’ Player of the Year in May, it was a fitting reward for a man who could easily claim to be United’s most consistent performer last term.
Routinely filling in at both right and left-back, the ex-Milan loanee has gained the trust of his manager by being tasked with occupying an inverted full-back role to great success.
The 25-year-old has bags of technical ability and seems suited to this role, with Ten Hag praising his development and acknowledging his undeniable progression.
European Interest
Alongside previous rumours of interest from Barcelona, reports suggest Real Madrid are very keen on the 22-cap Portugal star, who still has four years left on his current deal.
GiveMeSport states the Premier League giants will face a battle to convince the Braga native to stay, with Madrid eager to lure him to a familiar climate.
New Sporting Director Dan Ashworth will not want to lose such a reliable lieutenant and will surely do everything he can to keep their man for the foreseeable future.
What are your thoughts on Diogo Dalot’s revival at Manchester United – and does his future lie at Old Trafford?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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